Mark 3: 13-19

Being with Jesus is not a passive synchronicity, but an active choice. Although I know, as a disciple of Jesus, that He promised to be with us to the end of the world, it is clear from this reading that Jesus chose for his disciples men who would ‘be with him’ through thick and thin and eventually through death and resurrection. If I am truly committed to being a disciple, I, too, will seek to be with Jesus. St. Mark’s Gospel is direct and to the point: Jesus appointed twelve men “whom he wanted…to be with him, to be sent out to proclaim the message, and to have authority to cast out demons.” It was because the fishermen, the tax collector, the common folk who became the Disciples of Jesus were with Jesus, that they learned what to do -  to proclaim the message, and cast our demons, and take a leadership role in the Church as Jesus’ Apostles for all time. Today, followers of Jesus are encouraged to think, ‘What would Jesus do?’ to make good choices. Perhaps we also need to ask ourselves, ‘Where is Jesus’?, and then to look for Him.  When I find Jesus in any relationship, any event, or circumstances of any kind, I need to go and be with him. Then I will find out what he is doing – and what I am to do. Today, will I look for Jesus in every part of my life, and then go to be with him, to learn from him how to be his disciple? Holy Spirit of God, show me where Jesus is in my life and give me the courage to go and be with him.  
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Righteousness will go before him and make a path for his steps.   (Psalm 85)
 
As you walk through the valley of the unknown, you will find the footprints of Jesus both in front of you and beside you.
Charles Stanley   
 
Soli ad gloriam Dei
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Mark 3, 1-6

In a shame-based society where punishment and vengeance are more common than forgiveness, and self-reliance is cultivated before compassion, it is all too easy to harden my heart to the deep needs of others around me.  Although they may not have a withered hand, the homeless addict, an exhausted parent, or a lonely neighbour all need my healing touch that is informed and enlivened by the Holy Spirit of Jesus. Like the Pharisees of Jesus’ day, I can cite all kinds of reasons not to extend God’s ever-present mercy to someone in need, and turn a blind eye to the needs of others. But when I do, I, like the Pharisees and scribes of Jesus’ day invoke the Lord’s anger. Am I allowing my distracted ignorance and hard heartedness to guide me in my relationships with others, or will I breathe in the Truth and love of the Holy Spirit that moved Jesus to notice and heal the “withered hands” of those around me, despite the conventions of today. Holy Spirit of God, soften my heart to be healing like Jesus.   
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He sent redemption to his people…  (Psalm 111:9)
We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.
The book of Hebrews 6:19  
 
Go to the following link for a lengthy quote from Mother Teresa on finding silence to listen to God in prayer…
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/7329549-in-the-silence-of-the-heart-god-speaks-if-you#:~:text=If%20you%20face%20God%20in,God%20will%20speak%20to%20you.&text=Silence%20of%20the%20ears%2C%20by,tale%20bearing%2C%20and%20uncharitable%20words.
 
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Soli ad gloriam Dei
 
 
 
 

Hebrews 6:10 -20

To navigate the pandemic many people are seeking many paths of hope. Some find hope in the roll out of vaccines. Others in the many digital communication platforms that are keeping us connected in new ways. Still other people take solace in their addictions to substances or endless television series available on the web. Each of these ‘hopes’ have some good to offer whole communities and countries in lockdown, but really, each of these hope-giving elements of our present day society is finite, and delimited from life’s major events like birth, death, illness, violence and depravity and not least of all, attempted political coups.  No vaccines, digital communications, nor flicks on the net can give our lives the meaning and purpose, and lasting peace and joy, that we as human beings are designed to have. Only the Son of God who was the Son of Man, who taught and healed, died and rose again can provide sure and tangible Hope in the midst of all the challenges and chilling circumstances we face in life.  Will I seize the false hopes and dreams the world holds out to me, or will I firmly hold onto the hope that is before me, in the story and the state of Christ Jesus? Holy Spirit of God, help me seize the hope that is before me through Christ Jesus.
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He sent redemption to his people…  (Psalm 111:9)
We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.
The book of Hebrews 6:19  
 
Go to the following link for a lengthy quote on finding silence to listen to God in prayer…
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/7329549-in-the-silence-of-the-heart-god-speaks-if-you#:~:text=If%20you%20face%20God%20in,God%20will%20speak%20to%20you.&text=Silence%20of%20the%20ears%2C%20by,tale%20bearing%2C%20and%20uncharitable%20words.
 
www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca  
& Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook
Soli ad gloriam Dei
 
 
 

Hebrews 4:1-11

The phrase, ‘Enter into my rest’, implies that choosing to be at rest with God is an active rather than a passive activity.  So often I wonder why God doesn’t give me rest when I ask him for peace in my life –and then turn around and jump right back onto the treadmill of a lifestyle rife with consumerism, entertainment and self-pity, and their by-products of envy, dissipation, and anxiety.  But when I deliberately take steps to enter into God’s rest, by asking for forgiveness for squandering my time, treasure and talents; by taking quiet time to power down, pray, and ponder ; and by resting on the Sabbath, then I find that I am approaching God’s mercy in a complete, whole and unique way, and find the wellsprings of faith, hope, and love, and ultimately rest. Will my choices today reflect my desire to enter into God’s rest? Holy Spirit of God, help me enter into your rest.   
                                              
They are a people whose hearts go astray, and they do not regard my ways. Therefore... They shall not enter my rest.  (Psalm 95:10-11)
Just going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car.
GK Chesterton
 
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Soli ad gloriam Dei
 

 
Hebrews 3:7-14

 
“For Forty Years I have been working wonders for you... and you still don’t have faith in me...?” says the Lord to the Israelites - and us today. In those forty years the Lord was referring to in scripture, Pharoah of Egypt had agreed to let all the Hebrews slaves go;  had parted the Red Sea and closed it again on the Egyptian army in pursuit; provided water from a rock in the desert; provided manna and birds for food in the desert and etcetera. These were not small miracles, they were life-giving wonders! Similarly, each man, woman and child living today has experience life-sustaining, and life-changing blessings. What life-giving wonders have I, am I, experiencing in my life? After all the graces I have received, will I harden my heart and still insist that there may be no God after all?  Will I harden my heart and continue to begrudge the time needed to cultivate my relationship to God? Holy Spirit of God, open my heart to your works and words.  
                                              
O that today you would listen to his voice! Do not harden your hearts! (Psalm 95:7-8)
 
Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.
St. Augustine of Hippo


 Check out this 3-minute allegory of Plato, “The Cave” , to explore the relationship of humankind with faith. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69F7GhASOdM&t=9s&ab_channel=bullheadent
 
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Soli ad gloriam Dei