Random passages

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

I’m sorry I missed yesterday’s reflection. I was ill.

Now that the Christmas Season is over and Ordinary Time has resumed once again, we begin reading from different parts of the Bible during our Masses. For now, we are reading from the Letter to the Hebrews and from the Gospel of Mark. Today I offer you brief passages from each for your reflection and, hopefully, for you prayer.

From The letter to the Hebrews

Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, his is able to help those who are being tested. (2:18)

We do well to remember that our God chose to enter into our human condition and experience life as we know it---from birth to death, in poverty and in humbleness, in strength and in weakness, and most importantly for today’s consideration, in testing and temptation. We must keep that in mind when we are going through our own difficult and trying times, during our times of testing and our times of temptation, during times of bewilderment and frustration, during times of loss and times of desolation. Jesus helps us during those times by entering into those experiences himself and then by lifting us out of them. Turn to him. Don’t suffer alone. Don’t struggle alone. There is no need to do that. Turn to your Savior and hear him say to you, “I understand what you’re going through; I’ve been there; I passed through it all. Let me take you hand and help you pass through your trials as well.”

From The Gospel of Mark

Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. then the fever left her and she waited on them. (1:29-30)

This is one of my favorite passages. Don’t forget that Jesus had called Simon and Andrew and James and John and we are told that they left everything and followed him. And there are other places in the Gospels where the emphasis is on leaving family behind, on separating from family, and even on “hating” family—a troublesome verb which commentators go to great lengths to explain away.

What I like so much about this passage, however, is that here we see Jesus getting involved with the families of his disciples, and actually healing Simon’s mother-in-law. This is especially good news for those of us who have left our families for the sake of priesthood or religious life. It is a reminder that Jesus includes our families under the umbrella of our own devotion to him, that He takes care of them and that He brings healing and strength and grace and all other good things that He has to bestow.

When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. . . . He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons . . .  (1:32-34)

Not only do we need to remember to turn to Jesus during every single difficult moment of our lives, but we also need to remember to bring others to him for healing and deliverance. Whom do you feel inspired to bring before Him today.

God bless you!