Agent of Hope

Readings for Monday January 31, 2011

Memorial of Saint John Bosco, priest

First Reading: Hebrews 11:32-40
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 31
Gospel: Mark 5:1-20


And people came out to see what had happened. As they approached Jesus, they caught sight of the man who had been possessed by Legion, sitting there clothed and in his right mind. And they were seized with fear. Those who witnessed the incident explained to them what had happened to the possessed man and to the swine. Then they began to beg him to leave their district. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him. But Jesus would not permit him but told him instead, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed. (Mk 5:14-20)

In today's gospel we see Jesus cures a man who was possessed by a demon. Jesus came, and sent the demon away into the swine, and when everyone came out to see what was happening, they saw the man who was once possessed and unfit for society sitting perfectly still and in his right mind. We see once again Jesus bringing healing to someone in need, bringing hope to those who had none. It is no wonder that they man wanted to stay with the one who brought hope into his life.

Today, we also celebrate the feast day of Saint John Bosco, someone who followed Jesus' example of bringing hope into others life. John Bosco spent a great deal of his time working with young boys, many of whom people thought unfit for society ... much like the man in today's gospel. But Saint John Bosco, didn't see an unruly boy, he saw a child of God. That is why John Bosco worked tirelessly as an agent of hope, bringing the love of Christ and the hope that can only be found in Him to these boys who were so desperately in need of hope in their life.

We too must accept this calling of being "agents of hope" in this world. We were given a call to spread the gospel message throughout this world, that means bringing the hope of Christ to all those who cross our path. We, like Saint John Bosco, can be agents of hope in this world, all it takes is a simple "yes" to the Lord.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, we praise you and thank you for all that you have blessed us with. Help us to be good stewards of all that you put in our lives, help us to have a spirit of confidence to share the hope that only you can bring into this world. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.