January 14.  Unclean spirits.  Norma had not chosen to become a sex worker.  As a teenager she had been lured into prostitution by the promise of a job as a way out of the poverty of her family.  By 18 she had become disgusted by the lifestyle. It was when by chance she visited the local church and heard the powerful message that was being preached that she was challenged  to change.  “I can be made clean. Jesus remove this unclean spirit within me,” she prayed under the guidance of the sister at Mercy House who had become like a mother to her.  

Reflect, share.  Scripture: You have made man/woman little lower than the angels, with glory and honour you crowned him/her. With authority he commands even unclean spirits and they obey him.  Mark 1:21-28.  Pope Francis: JUBILEE May the Christian community always be prepared to defend the rights of those who are most vulnerable, opening wide its doors to welcome them, lest anyone ever be robbed of the hope of a better future. May the Lord’s words in the great parable of the Last Judgement always find an echo in our hearts: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” for “just as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did it to me” (Mt 25:35.40).  Jub25 14.    Pray: for mercy, forgiveness and openness to the needs of the Church and the world.   Choose appropriate action.