February 18, 2025
Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Minding What We See and Hear
Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear?
Mark 8:18A

We as human beings—just like God’s other creatures—use our senses to navigate and experience our environment, perceiving the tangible world. But unlike lesser animals, we have free will, an intellect and morality. Our senses are gifts from God, but we must use them appropriately, especially when it comes to exploring and discerning what could either benefit or harm us. If we apply that discernment in the physical world, should we not do so in the immaterial, spiritual world through praying to God and seeking his holy will?

We ought to be careful with what we see and hear. Our thoughts are occupied with what we see and the messages that we receive. Of all the media available, we should focus on seeing and hearing that which honors and glorifies God.

Heavenly Father, open our eyes and ears to receive what you are imparting to us. We ask this in Jesus’ holy name.

- Mr. Justin McClain, O.P.

Genesis 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10 ✚ Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10 ✚ Mark 8:14-21
Bird silhouettes flying above the lake at sunset. Image by Muratart | stock.adobe.com
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Comments

February 18, 2025 at 04:45 PM

Thank you, Salina.

February 18, 2025 at 04:07 PM

Asking Our Beloved Blessed Mother to intercede to Her Son, Our Sweet Lord Jesus to place His healing hands on our Dear Pope Francis. May Our Holy Father feel the warmth and comfort of Jesus’ presence and in turn, whisper the words of strength and healing to Our Beloved Pope. Amen, Lord Jesus

February 18, 2025 at 03:11 PM

Hello Living Faith team, May I suggest you contact the commenter(s) individually with your concerns. You have the email address. Perhaps an understanding can result. Blanket statements can lead to finger pointing. Thank you for your consideration.

azmom
February 18, 2025 at 04:59 PM

Their "blanket statement" is an efficient way of addressing all the commenters and reminding all of us to be careful about the way we express our opinions. Maybe even you, Bruce?

February 18, 2025 at 02:37 PM

We've noticed an increase in comments that might be characterized as political in nature. In our commenting guidelines, we ask commentors to refrain from discussing subjects that are “related to bills, laws and functions of government, courts, ...etc.” The reason we ask this is that many times, the subtext of politics hijacks the conversations, losing the subject matter of the devotion of the day. As a general rule, we do reserve the right to edit or remove comments we feel are disrupting the community of prayer, encouragement, and well-wishing that builds and nurtures this community. Moving forward, if the trend of comments or prayers are becoming politicized, we will take action to edit or remove them.

February 18, 2025 at 01:47 PM

"The Lord looks to the good intention we have and the effort we make, and these He rewards." St. Francis de Sales

February 18, 2025 at 12:27 PM

I thank God that many depraved, illegal pedophiles, rapists and murderers are being deported and sent to prison or back to the countries they came from. Also, I pray for all those who have been victims of horrible sex trafficking and so many nefarious schemes. Fake and misplaced compassion only hurts the innocent and vulnerable. So many children are still unaccounted for. I pray for them every day. Let's have real compassion for those who truly need it, instead of "virtue signaling" from political self-righteousness.

Salina
February 18, 2025 at 12:51 PM

I agree, azmom! Praying with you for the truly “innocents!” God’s justice I pray sooner than later ✝️ It is always Your timing, Lord God ❤️

February 18, 2025 at 11:56 AM

Love, "If we apply that discernment in the physical world (exploring and discerning what could either benefit or harm us, should we not do so in the immaterial, spiritual world through praying to God and seeking His holy will?" *** Do you hear from God's Word and find favor with God in "building an ark" on this earth like Noah did in his days when God planned to wipe out human on this earth in Genesis 6:5-8? *** Genesis 7:5, "Noah did everything the Lord commanded him to do!" *** Does everyone who come across my front yard and ask me, "What's the deal with you building a boat for the last 120 years?" ******* It is not getting better or more peaceful in this world acording to God's Word and His plan in Revelation, "Do you want this world’s injustice to end? Something inside us longs for all that is wrong around us to be made right. The book of Revelation promises that God will indeed intervene in human history to end evil’s grip on earth. How do we reconcile the graphic and frightening descriptions of God’s final judgment with His love for the people He created? Everything God does reflects who He is. God’s exercise of judgment reveals the perfect holiness and justice that flow from His character. God intervenes when people refuse His mercy and grace. Judgment falls because God will put an end to sin’s damaging corruption...Revelation 15–16 records heavenly worship that extols God’s justice alongside the outpouring of God’s wrath against sin. Heaven’s angels and God’s people worship Him as He executes judgment on the earth. God’s justice brings Him glory and deserves our praise. God’s people do not rejoice in the dreadfulness of judgment but find refuge in God’s uncompromising justice!" *** My prayer, "Dear Jesus, I am not a sinner because I sin, I sin because I am a sinner! You are just and merciful! Who am I that You are mindful of that you had me in mind when you went to the cross in my place?"

February 18, 2025 at 10:59 AM

Jesus, I hope and pray for my conversion and repentance, and that my words may not cause a scandal of ambiguity. Let my yes mean yes and my no mean no!

February 18, 2025 at 10:41 AM

I hope and pray for the spiritual and physical healing of Pope Francis. [This comment has been moderated.]

February 18, 2025 at 09:35 AM

Amen!

February 18, 2025 at 09:27 AM

AMEN!

February 18, 2025 at 07:50 AM

Praying for the innocent immigrants that are being deported, for federal workers whose livelihood's are being destroyed as they lose their jobs, and for the poor, hungry and sick across the world who are being deprived life giving food and medical aid.

azmom
February 18, 2025 at 12:15 PM

I thank God that many depraved, illegal pedophiles, rapists and murderers are being deported and sent to prison or back to the countries they came from. Also, I pray for all those who have been victims of horrible sex trafficking and so many nefarious schemes. Fake and misplaced compassion only hurts the innocent and vulnerable

Miriam
February 18, 2025 at 12:05 PM

Amen!

TW
February 18, 2025 at 11:58 AM

So True and Amen!

michele
February 18, 2025 at 10:29 AM

Lord, please hear our prayers.

Nora
February 18, 2025 at 09:03 AM

AMEN!

Bruce K
February 18, 2025 at 08:22 AM

I have eyes that see them. I have ears that hear them. I have heart without compassion. I am a Christian in name only.

Murph
February 18, 2025 at 08:05 AM

AMEN!

February 18, 2025 at 06:49 AM

Amen. :)

February 18, 2025 at 05:42 AM

Thank you Lord for the gift of discerning right from wrong...goodness from sin... but still failing in my attempts....Lord, ease AD's leg pain and pull her over this hurdle in her life...Amen

February 18, 2025 at 04:29 AM

My prayer "Lord Jesus, you alone are the true bread of life which sustains us each and every day. Give us all joy and strength to serve you always and help us to turn away from the leaven of sin and worldliness which brings corruption and death." Amen

February 18, 2025 at 02:35 AM

Justin, thank you for this reflection. Just as we are what we eat, we are also shaped by what we consume in literature, media and art. It is helpful to be honorable and careful in our consumption. Asking God to extend his healing touch to our beloved Pope Francis. Amen.

Bill L.
February 18, 2025 at 03:55 AM

Good morning jane. Sharing your prayers for Pope Francis. Hope you are consumed in your classes. It must be both rewarding and challenging for you.

February 18, 2025 at 02:29 AM

Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those in need. Come to the side of those experiencing violence in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, and the Sudan. Please hear the pleas of all those suffering around the world - and give them strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.

Bird silhouettes flying above the lake at sunset. Image by Muratart | stock.adobe.com
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