REFLECTIONS TODAY
The Gospel narrative presents Jesus as having a very busy day doing all sorts of things: healing many sick people, driving out demons, teaching, etc. And yet part of his daily “routine” is a time for prayer and silence, a time to commune with his Father. We see, therefore, in him a balance between work and prayer, between action and contemplation. His manner of life should also be our model; and yet we often forget this and neglect our spiritual lives. We simply go on with life every day, doing all sorts of things, too busy to have time for silence and prayer. No wonder, in the end we all get so exhausted, frustrated, feeling empty, despite our “achievements.” We say it is difficult to find God; but this is often because we are actually too busy to give time for him. If you spare a little time even just to wonder at your fascinating plants, trees, or flowers, surely you will find God. Even silence itself is a precious commodity these days. Let us not allow the false sense of security from doing too much work to lead us to emptiness and meaninglessness. After all, life is more than work, wealth, and achievements.
Gospel • Mark 1:29-39
On leaving the synagogue 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.
When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.
Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Paul's, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.