Friday 10 February 2023
St Scholastica | Day of penance
Genesis 3:1-8. Happy are those whose sins are forgiven – Psalm 31(32):1-2, 5-7. Mark 7:31-37.
Be opened
There could be tension between the first reading from Genesis and the Gospel reading from Mark – both involve the ‘opening’ of senses – the way in which we experience the world around us. Yes, the story of Eve and Adam has them not doing as the Lord God had told them, however they chose to experience something desirable, and it gave them awareness of the other. Jesus ‘opened’ the ears and tongue of a man, enabling him to hear and speak – have greater awareness of what and who surrounded him. The first story had the consequence of independence and an appreciation of reward for effort in gardening and childbirth; and the second experience had the consequence of participation in the community and some public hero-worship of Jesus. Both consequences having the capacity for increased awareness of our community, the people within it, and enabling us to better meet each other’s needs. ‘Being opened’ is quite an exciting opportunity, particularly if we have become a bit closed off in recent times. Let’s be aware of each other and our environment – opening our hearts and our senses – embracing challenges and joys.
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