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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Let us go on to the nearby villages

Let us go on to the nearby villages

Published Jan 9, 2024 04:01 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Gird your loins

Jesus finds welcome and success in Capernaum. He cures the mother-in-law of Simon Peter and stays in Simon’s house where he ministers to the sick and those possessed by demons. Simon and Andrew and the other disciples certainly enjoy the “honor” of being close associates of Jesus. They would certainly like to stay longer in Capernaum, for everyone is looking for Jesus, and they enjoy the people’s hospitality. But Jesus tells them that they must move on: other villages likewise need to hear and experience the Good News about the Kingdom of God. Neither success nor failure, neither hospitality nor hostility, can prevent Jesus from accomplishing the purpose for which he was sent into the world. 


Jesus and his disciples rejoice that the Gospel has been proclaimed and is bearing fruit in Capernaum. Pope Francis shares that despite this joy, “the drive to go forth and give, to go out from ourselves, to keep pressing forward in our sowing of the good seed, remains ever present.” Commenting on the decision of Jesus to move on, the Pope says, “Once the seed has been sown in one place, Jesus does not stay behind to explain things or to perform more signs, the Spirit moves him to go forth to other towns” (Evangelii Gaudium, 21).

RESPONSORIAL PSALM • Ps 40

“Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.”

GOSPEL • Mk 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: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
 

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