Reflection: Luke 5:1-11

5^th Sunday Ordinary Time – Luke 5:1-11

In today’s Gospel, Jesus called his first disciples.  Jesus was walking by the lake of Gennesaret.  He was standing on the shore when he saw two boats that were close to the shore.  The fisherman had just finished their fishing for the day.  They had gotten out of their boats and they were washing their nets.

Jesus brazenly stepped into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon.  He said to Simon: “Put out into the deep and lower your nets.  Simon replied, “Master, we have fished all night and we did not catch any fish.  However, I will do as you ask.”  As we know, Simon and the other fishermen caught so many fish that their nets began to tear.  Everyone was astonished and amazed! 

When Peter returned to the shore, he jumped out of the boat, went to Jesus and fell at his feet. Peter said to Jesus: “Depart from me, Lord, for I am sinful man.”   Clearly Peter and the other fishermen realized that this catch of fish was extraordinary.  Peter knew that Jesus had done an amazing deed and he was in awe of Jesus and his power.  Then Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.”  When all of them returned to shore, the disciples left everything and followed Jesus.

Today Jesus will call all of us to be fishers of people. You can count on it!  However, first we have to live Jesus’ message.  If we are not living his message, no one will take the time to listen to us.  The men and women who decided to follow Jesus were captured by Jesus’ love for the poor and the needy.  Jesus was humble and he cared for the poor, the sick, and the least ones.  Let us strive to imitate Jesus in his compassion for others this day. 

Reflection: Mark 6:30-34

Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time – Mark 6:30-34

Today the disciples gathered around Jesus and reported on the preaching and teaching they had done in the past days.  They were very excited and pleased.  However, they also were tired and hungry.  They had been surrounded by people for days.  Jesus suggested that they go away from the crowds of people for a while. 

They all got into a boat and Jesus took them off to a deserted place.  The disciples believed that they would have some peace and quiet.  They also thought they would have time to talk with Jesus about their experiences.

However, the people saw Jesus and the disciples leaving and they hurried after them to the place where Jesus was going.  Imagine the dismay Jesus and his disciples must have experienced when they saw the people who were waiting for Jesus.  Mark tells us, however, that Jesus was filled with pity and concern for the people.  Jesus recognized that the people were like “sheep without a shepherd.”  They were hungry and yearned to hear Jesus teach and preach.  They needed the spiritual nourishment that only Jesus could give them.  Jesus recognized their deep need and longing and sat down and began teaching.

At times, we also are like sheep without a shepherd.  At these times, it may be helpful to ask ourselves: For what am I hungry?  For what am I yearning? Do I recognize this hunger and thirst in others or do I stay focused on myself?

We are called to be like Jesus.  We are called to nurture the people in our lives, especially the lost, the forgotten, or the unseen.  Who would appreciate 5-10 minutes of your time today?  It doesn’t have to be intense conversation.  It often is a great gift to notice another.  What a simple and wondrous gift to give and to receive! 

Reflection: Mark 6:14-29

Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time – Mark 6:14-29

Today’s Gospel focuses on the tale of John the Baptist, Herod, and Herod’s illegitimate wife, Herodias.  John had criticized both of them publicly for having an illicit union.  Naturally, Herod and Herodias were angry with John and his censure.  Who did John think he was?  Herodias was so angry with John that she wanted to have him killed.  However, Herod believed that John was a holy man and enjoyed listening to John preach. Thus, Herod refused to have John arrested.

On the occasion of his birthday, Herodias gave a grand banquet for Herod. However, Herodias had another agenda: she had devised a scheme to get her way.  During the banquet, Herod’s daughter came and danced for Herod and his guests.  Herod was extremely very pleased with his daughter and wanted to thank her.  He told his daughter that she could ask him for anything and he would give it to her.  When his daughter consulted with her mother, Herodias told her to ask for the head of John the Baptist served on a platter.  Her daughter did so.

Herod was in a quandary.  He had told his daughter publicly that he would give her anything she desired, but he had great respect for John.  How could he say no to his daughter’s request?  Eventually, Herod gave in and did as his daughter had asked and had John the Baptist beheaded.

John is a wonderful model and guide for us.  He spoke out in the face of injustice.  John did not pander to royalty or wealth.  John put his life on the line for what he believed.  Do we stand up for what we believe, especially if our opinions or thoughts deviate from the norm, or do we keep silent?  If we are asked directly, do we fudge on our response?   Do we simply avoid the question?

I assume that most of us do not like to say or do the difficult thing.  If we consider ourselves followers of Jesus, however, it may require that we to speak the truth we believe, even when it is not the popular opinion. Today may we ask Jesus for the courage to speak and act on our beliefs, even if it may upset someone.  Today may we ask John to share his courage, honesty and directness with us.

Reflection: Mark 6:7-13

Thursday of the 4^th Week in Ordinary Time – Mark 6:7-13

Today Jesus sends His disciples out to preach, teach, and heal.  Jesus was wise.  Jesus knew that since they were beginning preachers they would need support.  He also realized that the disciples would be more effective if they had companions in this ministry.  Thus, He sent them out in pairs.

Jesus instructed the disciples to take nothing with them on their journey: no food, no extra clothing, no money.  This meant that His disciples would have to depend on the generosity of the people to meet their needs.  I wonder how Jesus’ disciples reacted to His instructions.  Were they tempted to carry some food or a change of clothing along with them or did they trust that God and generous people would provide for them?

The disciples left and began preaching.  Amazingly, they were able to work miracles!  They drove out demons and cured people who were seriously ill.  Imagine what was it like for these disciples to have the ability to perform healings and miracles, to preach and to teach.  These men were not learned.  They were simple fishermen and workers, yet Jesus empowered them to bring healing and give spiritual food to others.

Today Jesus also calls us to preach and teach.  We are His disciples in our world.  Jesus calls us to reach out and touch others with our love, care, and concern.  In a world in which most everyone is too busy to slow down, we can give the gift of our interest, time, and support.  This may not sound like much of a gift, but a few minutes of being present to another person may be the most precious gift he or she will receive today.



Reflection: Mark 6:1-6

Wednesday of the 4^th Week in Ordinary Time – Mark 6:1-6

This Gospel reading begins as Jesus and His disciples return home, to Jesus’ native place.  On the Sabbath, Jesus went to the synagogue and began to teach.  The people who listened to Jesus were astonished.  They were taken aback at the power of His teaching as well as the power of His presence. This was Jesus, a man they knew very well; He was a man who had grown up in their midst.

 How had Jesus become such a knowledgeable man and powerful speaker?  He was the son of a carpenter, not the son of a rabbi.   Thus, many people in Jesus’ hometown discounted Jesus and His message and refused to listen to him.  After all, who did Jesus think He was to preach to the people who had known Him from birth?

Jesus did not get angry.  Rather, Jesus replied to their comments by saying that a prophet is not honored by the people who have known him from birth.   Jesus realized that He was too familiar to them. They only saw in Him what they wanted to see.  Thus, Jesus was unable to perform any great deeds there since they did not have faith in Him. 

It often is easy to discount the people whom we know the best.  They are so very familiar to us that we typically take them for granted and fail to see the growth and wisdom within them.  Take a moment and think about the people in your life.  What are their gifts?  How do they share their wisdom, love, and care with you?  Do you appreciate their love and care, their gifts and talents?  Do you let them know how important they are to you? 

Today make time to give thanks for the many people who love you and care about you.  In some small way, let them know how grateful you are to have them in your life.  They are gift to you, just as you are gift to them.



Reflection: Luke 2:22-40

The Presentation of the Lord, Feast – Luke 2:22-40

Today Mary and Joseph travel to Jerusalem to present Jesus in the Temple.  It was customary that within 40 days after the birth of the firstborn son, the parents were to take the child to the Temple in Jerusalem and present him to the Lord.  As soon as Mary was able to travel, she and Joseph set out for Jerusalem as the law required.  It was a long journey for them, yet they wanted their newborn son to receive the sacred rite of purification.   

A man named Simeon was in the temple the day Mary, Joseph, and Jesus arrived in Jerusalem.  For many years Simeon had spent most of his time in the Temple waiting for the “consolation of Israel.” When Simeon saw Mary, Joseph and the baby, he recognized Jesus as the One for whom he had been waiting. 

Simeon immediately went to Mary and Joseph and took the baby, Jesus, into His arms.  Then Simeon loudly praised God and gave thanks that he was blessed to see and hold in his arms, “the Christ of the Lord” before he died!  Simeon then prophesied that this tiny baby was destined for greatness.

On that day, Anna, the prophetess, also was in the temple.  When Anna saw Mary, Joseph and Jesus she came to them and prophesied that this tiny baby would bring about the redemption of Jerusalem.  I wonder how the people in the Temple reacted to these prophecies.  Did they believe what Anna and Simeon were saying or were they skeptical and close-minded? 

Imagine yourself in this scene. How would you react to these happenings?  Would you be a believer or would you be a skeptic?  At various time in our history, we all have heard “prophecies” that were to occur in the near future.  Most often, we wait and wait, and the prophecy is never fulfilled.   However, the time will come when the prophecy will be fulfilled.

How would life be different for us if we lived each day as if this day were to be our last day?  How would you  spend your day if you knew that today were your last day on earth?  With whom would you spend your time?  Would you go to church or would you find another way to spend time with God?

Today may be our last day; we do not know when we will die. May we live this day and every day to the fullest.  May we be thankful for the many blessings we have received!

Reflection: Mark 5:1-20

Monday of the 4^th Week in Ordinary Time – Mark 5:1-20

Today’s Gospel is the story of the man who had an unclean spirit.  This man had been dwelling in the tombs.  His disorder was so severe that no one was able to restrain him, not even with a chain.   

When this man caught sight of Jesus, he ran to Him, threw himself on the ground, and cried out: “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?”  The man then begged Jesus not to torment him.   Jesus then asked the spirit: “What is your name?”  The spirit told Him: “Legion is my name.  There are many spirits.”  The spirit then begged Jesus not to drive the spirits out of the territory but into a herd of swine that was nearby.  Jesus did as they asked.  Immediately the herd of swine rushed into the sea and was drowned.  When the people realized what Jesus had done, they were astounded and afraid.  Then they begged Jesus to leave their town. 

 As Jesus was leaving the town, the man he had healed came to him.  The man wanted to follow Jesus.  However, Jesus gently told the man to go home to his family.  He was to announce to them what Jesus had done for him.  The man left and did as Jesus requested and he proclaimed the wonders that Jesus had done for him.  Mark writes, “All were amazed!”

 Today take time to remember some of the wonders that Jesus has done for you throughout your life.  Some of the wonders may have been life-changing events.  Other wonders may have been more subtle and may have taken place over a period of time.  Do you proclaim the wonders Jesus has done for you to the people in your life?  Do you share with your family or friends how Jesus is present to you and how Jesus is blessing you?

Today, take time and remember the many blessings you have received throughout your life.  It may be the gifts of family, good health, a good job, or dear friends..  Thank Jesus for the abundance of your blessings.  Most of them may seem like small gifts; however, good things often come in small packages.