Readings for Monday February 8, 2010
First Reading: 1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm
Gospel: Mark 6:53-56
After making the crossing to the other side of the sea, Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him. They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed. (Mk 6:53-56)
When is the last time that you went to mass on a day other than Christmas or Easter when you saw a tremendous amount of people piling into the doors of the church? Or are you like me, and you have never seen this? As I read today's gospel, it really struck me that the people were actually "scurrying about" to see Jesus and to be healed by Him. Sadly, we do not see this type of action today, when anybody can actually go and be with Jesus in His Church. Sadly, so many Catholics do not believe in the true presence in Jesus in the Eucharist. So many do not realize that they can be with and receive Him each and every day if they so choose.
Knowing where Jesus was used to send people "scurrying" and flocking to where He was at, but today that doesn't seem to be the mentality. These days is seems as though we are more likely to flock to see musicians, sports stars, politicians, and other celebrities more that we are willing to flock to church to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is there, ready and waiting to help us and to heal us if we are willing to walk through the door.
Today, let us each think of how we can make going to see Jesus in His house more of a priority. Perhaps we can go to daily mass a few times a week. Or maybe going to Eucharistic Adoration once a week. Let us each pray about how we can spend more time with the Lord in His house, and may God bless us as we continue to seek time with Him.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have given and for all that you do. Lord, you are so good to us and so loving and merciful, help us to never stray from your ways and to always follow you not matter where you lead us to. Lord, you never disappoint us, and help us to make you more of a priority in our lives. We pray for all of those in need of conversion, and all those in need of meaning in their lives, may they find it in you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Interestingly enough, the time where I've seen the church packed (aside from the major holy days) was for a reconciliation service. The experience was amazing: people waited, some up to four hours, to confess to a priest.
ReplyDeleteIt also fits wonderfully with the message you've highlighted here, that we only need to come to Jesus to be healed.
Lord, we pray that those who are in darkness will be moved by Your Holy Spirit and turn toward the Light of Christ. Amen