THE LORD WILL BLESS HIS PEOPLE WITH PEACE

First Reading Gen. 6:5-8,7:1-5,10 Noah's Ark

The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that the thoughts in his heart fashioned nothing but wickedness all day long. The Lord regretted having made man on the earth, and his heart grieved. ‘I will rid the earth’s face of man, my own creation,’ the Lord said ‘and of animals also, reptiles too, and the birds of heaven; for I regret having made them.’ But Noah had found favour with the Lord.

The Lord said to Noah, ‘Go aboard the ark, you and all your household, for you alone among this generation do I see as a good man in my judgement. Of all the clean animals you must take seven of each kind, both male and female; of the unclean animals you must take two, a male and its female (and of the birds of heaven also, seven of each kind, both male and female), to propagate their kind over the whole earth. For in seven days’ time I mean to make it rain on the earth for forty days and nights, and I will rid the earth of every living thing that I made.’ Noah did all that the Lord ordered.

Seven days later the waters of the flood appeared on the earth. Readings

Responsorial Psalm 

The Lord will bless his people with peace 

Gospel Mark 8:14-21 

Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod

The disciples had forgotten to take any food and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. Then he gave them this warning, ‘Keep your eyes open; be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.’ And they said to one another, ‘It is because we have no bread.’ And Jesus knew it, and he said to them, ‘Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you not yet understand? Have you no perception? Are your minds closed? Have you eyes that do not see, ears that do not hear? Or do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves among the five thousand, how many baskets full of scraps did you collect?’ They answered, ‘Twelve.’ ‘And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many baskets full of scraps did you collect?’ And they answered, ‘Seven.’ Then he said to them, ‘Are you still without perception?’                     

My Prayer: My Father in heaven, sometimes I doubt your marvelous deeds in life. Your saving grace, mercy and power. Your miracles and your deliverance. I doubt your divine providence, I doubt your healing power, I doubt your presence. I question your greatness. Sometimes I think my achievements is by my own efforts and goodness. How stupid I must be. I do not perceive your deeds because my mind is close to reception of your Holy Spirit my guide and teacher. 

Father in heaven you regret creating man because of the wickedness of the creatures you fashioned out of love. You are full of compassion and love. Father you are faithful, you are covenant keeping God. You sent your Son Jesus Christ to save your creatures, for you know we are helpless. We are weak. Thank you loving Father, for you will bless us with your peace.

Lord Jesus Christ, you promised to send the Spirit a gift from God our Father. I am open to receive the Father's gifts of Holy Spirit. Come Holy Spirit dwell in me. Thank you Jesus for loving me.               

 Lectures Reflection.