The Catholic Calendar
and Daily Meditation
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
St. John Bosco, priest
(founder of the Salesians)
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
http://new.usccb.org/bible/readings/013112.cfm
2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14b, 24-25a, 30; 19:3
Psalm 86:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
Mark 5:21-43
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
Ours is a God who is always creating - not just the one week of creation that we read about in Genesis. Just as there is ongoing creation, we are also aware that much is broken in our world and in need of healing. We are aware of the need for physical and psychological healing. We are also very much aware of the suffering from poverty, the lack of parental support for children, the emotional trauma from a variety of sources and the list goes on and on.
Today's gospel recounts a series of healings performed by Christ. Why did He do this select number, as we are aware that in the three short years of His ministry He would not reach all of those needing His healing hand? In addition to His desire to heal those specific persons, perhaps He was setting an example for us, His followers, as we continue His mission over time.
Have we thought of ourselves as healers acting in the name of Christ? Though most of us would not expect that we could ask a paralyzed person to get up and walk, we do have many healing qualities. We can never underestimate the power we have when we demonstrate an act of kindness, give a smile, or offer to help a person. Beyond that, though, is a need for us to be ready and open to help. As an example, a doctor walking in to see a patient has an open attitude, one in search of the patient's needs. If we want to take on the role of "healer," we need to show an interest in others, without prying into their affairs. There is an art to it all. If we pray, and begin each day trying to live the life of a good Christian, Christ will show us the way. We just need to be open and prepared to serve.
"Passion of Christ, strengthen us." (from the "Anima Christi")
::: Joan of Jesus, OCDS | email: jmurphy(at)syracuse(dot)net
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