Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
Mark 1:29-39 Without a doubt, Jesus’ three years of public ministry was rigorous and very dynamic. Before that, at least from the age of twelve, he was known privately to be a young man who was wise beyond his years, and clearly a person of great strength in heart, mind, soul and body. In recounting one Sabbath in Jesus’ life, St. Mark demonstrates Jesus’ way of life that kept him mentally, spiritually, and physically fit. He gave alms, that is he continually gave of his own resources; as the Son of his Father, Jesus had the discernment and the power to heal and so he patiently ministered not only to his friend’s mother in law, but also to ‘the whole city’ that was gathered at the door of his house. Jesus fasted; although he must have been exhausted from dealing with the crowd ‘after sunset’ and perhaps through the night, ‘while it was still very dark’ Jesus left rest and comfort behind and went to a deserted place to spend time with his Father. Jesus prayed; Jesus realized what all the holy people and saints throughout the millennia have discovered, that committed prayer is one’s life-line to God’s wisdom and grace, to do what we are to do and be what we are to be. Will I take up Jesus’ routine of praying, fasting and giving alms? Christ Jesus, teach me to pray, fast, and give alms like you… I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. (Colossians 9: 22 ) It is only because he became like us that we can become like him. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “The Cost of Discipleship” Soli ad gloriam Gospel Mystery of the Day on FaceBook & www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca
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AuthorBeverly Illauq lives in Kemptville, Ontario, where she greets each morning by seeking the Gospel Mystery of the Day - the Word of the Lord for direct and practical application to the specific challenges & joys of the day. Archives
March 2024
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