Proclaim

January 30, 2012

Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Perhaps the LORD will look upon my affliction and make it up to me with benefits for the curses he is uttering this day." David and his men continued on the road, while Shimei kept abreast of them on the hillside, all the while cursing and throwing stones and dirt as he went. 2 Samuel 16:12-13

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. Mark 5:18-20

Piety

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host - by the Divine Power of God - cast into hell, Satan and all the evil spirits, who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Study

At Mass Sunday, Fr. Barkett was addressing an overview of the Gospel of Mark. He explained that Mark's stories show Jesus ready to "pick a fight" with the powers in the world, especially the powers of sin. So today, in this corner, we have Jesus of Nazareth. And in the other corner, we have Legion, possessing the man and making him appear to have demonic possession.

Based on the patterns of stories we have already seen from Mark, we know the basic outline. Jesus takes them on and wins. But the lesson for us may once again lie in the reactions of the people around. Some embrace Jesus and want him to stay while others want him to leave their town as soon as possible. Some continue to be amazed at his actions while others are not yet ready to embrace the miracles happening right before their eyes.

Action

How will we react to the miracles of Jesus today? Will be stand ready to "pick a fight" with the tensions in the world? Or will we turn our backs and eyes away hoping that Jesus will not ask us to do what he does -- pick up our cross (daily) and follow him?

We know how the Lord will look upon our afflictions. The Lord will make it up with the benefits of pity, love and with his healing touch, glance or challenging words. How will we respond to that encounter?