MONDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME FEBRUARY 7, 2022

MASS READINGS

A reading of the holy Gospel according to Mk 6:53-56

After making the crossing to the other side of the sea, Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him. They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.

REFLECTION

"Begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed."

One of the consequences of sin is suffering and death. During Jesus' time medicine was not advanced. Many people were sick and suffered without much relief. Whether they believed and understood who Jesus was, they were wanting an end to their fatigue, anxiety, and pain. Jesus saw their pleading eyes and neighbors were helping neighbors so they could get a miraculous healing. Jesus was able to meet their needs, made them well and saved them.

All they had to do is get close to Him and contact Him; "they begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak: and as many as touched it were healed". All who had faith in Him, reached out for His mercy and He responded.

Jesus knows exactly what suffering is and invites us to join Him. We are not alone. The kindest thing we can do is bring our friends, family, neighbors and ourselves to Jesus.

There is no one whom Jesus cannot transform if they reach out to Him in faith.

Pray the Jesus Prayer, invite Jesus to be with us. No matter what our illness, reach out to Jesus in faith. Pray for more faith.

Thanking God for all He has done for us--Big and small.

God Bless You.