Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Jesus invites us to grow in faith

 G:     Mk 1: 40- 45
     A leper came to Jesus and begged him, "If you so will, you can make me clean." Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." The leprosy left the man at once and he was made clean. As Jesus sent the man away, he sternly warned him, "Don't tell anyone about this, but go and show yourself to the priest and for the cleansing bring the offering ordered by Moses; in this way you will make your declaration."

   However, as soon as the man went out, he began spreading the news everywhere, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter any town. But even though he stayed in the rural areas, people came to him from everywhere.



REFLECTION
     In the first reading we are encouraged not to tire of listening to God's word, even in the midst of trials. We are encouraged not to be stubborn and with hardened hearts.

     Jesus performed many miracles, including that of healing lepers and restoring their dignity and integration into the community from a miserable life as outcasts. Jesus was not looking for people to "advertise" his miracles; he wanted people to trust in God's love and see the deeper meaning of the miracle rather than just be awed at a spectacle. The greater miracle was in their faithfulness and belief which transformed their lives.
   
   The Church prays at daily Mass, "Look not on our sins but on the faith of your Church." God's mercy should not be abused but appreciated as we reciprocate God's love in order to receive his reward. We continue to work for and hope to eventually enter into God's rest.
   
     How is our faith in God? If Jesus returns now, will he find faith in us?




 Mk 1: 40- 45
     A leper came to Jesus and begged him, "If you so will, you can make me clean." Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." The leprosy left the man at once and he was made clean. As Jesus sent the man away, he sternly warned him, "Don't tell anyone about this, but go and show yourself to the priest and for the cleansing bring the offering ordered by Moses; in this way you will make your declaration."

   However, as soon as the man went out, he began spreading the news everywhere, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter any town. But even though he stayed in the rural areas, people came to him from everywhere.

REFLECTION
     In the first reading we are encouraged not to tire of listening to God's word, even in the midst of trials. We are encouraged not to be stubborn and with hardened hearts.

     Jesus performed many miracles, including that of healing lepers and restoring their dignity and integration into the community from a miserable life as outcasts. Jesus was not looking for people to "advertise" his miracles; he wanted people to trust in God's love and see the deeper meaning of the miracle rather than just be awed at a spectacle. The greater miracle was in their faithfulness and belief which transformed their lives.
   
   The Church prays at daily Mass, "Look not on our sins but on the faith of your Church." God's mercy should not be abused but appreciated as we reciprocate God's love in order to receive his reward. We continue to work for and hope to eventually enter into God's rest.
   
     How is our faith in God? If Jesus returns now, will he find faith in us?

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