St. Thomas Aquinas, & doctor 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Hebrews 10:19-25

So, my friends, we are assured of entering the Sanctuary

By the blood of Jesus who opened for us this new and living way passing through the curtain, that is, his body. Because we have a high priest in charge of the House of God, let us approach with a sincere heart, with full faith, interiorly cleansed from a bad conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

 Let us hold fast to our hope with­out wavering, because he who promised is faithful. Let us consider how we may spur one another to love and good works. Do not abandon the assemblies as some of you do, but encourage one another, and all the more since the Day is drawing near.

 

Ps 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6

Lord this is the people that longs to see your face.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

Mark 4:21-25

 Jesus also said to them, “When the light comes, is it to be put under a tub or a bed? Surely it is put on a lamp­­stand. What­ever is hidden will be disclosed, and whatever is kept secret will be brought to light. Listen then, if you have ears!”

And he also said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear. In the measure you give, so shall you receive and still more will be given to you. For to the one who produces something, more will be given, and from him who does not produce anything, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

 

Gospel Reflection：

We sometimes suppress the light of our good works for fear that it would attract undue attention or it would puff up our sense of pride. But good works cannot be hidden for a long time. Its good effects will be noticed sooner or later.

Perhaps it is part of doing good works that we suffer the martyrdom of attention. We need to understand that we are just mere instruments and if our good works will give praise to God, then that forms part of our task as servants.