Gospel Reflections [feb22-24]

February 22, Sunday Mark 2:1-12

We can gain a lot of valuable insights in today’s gospel reading, insight on faith by the four men who brought to Jesus the paralytic. Insights on, forgiveness of our sins, spiritual as well as physical healing. In fact these insights were regularly mentioned in the gospel readings during this February.

However, there are two more insights that we can learn in this gospel. Insight on humility; the four that brought the paralytic to Jesus were so humble that they immediately evaporated after they’ve brought the sick man to Jesus. they did not care if they will be recognized for their heroic act. The four men obviously had no bloated egos. So unlike of us who always wants to be recognized and seen whenever we do something for our fellowmen.

The other insight that we can learn here is to be more sensitive to the needs of those who are in greater need than us. Sometimes we are so concerned about our own needs that we tend to forget the greater needs of others. We become selfish instead of selfless.

The four humble men were selfless, perhaps they were also in need of Jesus’ healing but they saw that the paralytic was in dire straits and need to be healed by Jesus. They’ve forgotten their own need; they instead channelled their energies to do everything for the paralytic even opening up the roof of the house.

How many of us are like the four humble and selfless men?

February 23, Monday Mark 9:14-29

The disciples asked Jesus: “Why could we not drive the spirit out?” Jesus told them: “This kind can only come out through prayer.” Just like some of us the disciples obviously doesn’t have a very healthy prayer life that’s why they were not able to drive out the unclean spirit that had possessed the boy.

On the other hand the father has a very strong faith even if the disciples failed to help him he persisted and asked Jesus to heal his son and he was not disappointed.

The gospel invites us to examine the health of our prayer life maybe it’s unwell like the disciples.

How about our faith? It must always be strong and in our journey with God we must always walk by faith and not by sight.

February 24, Tuesday Mark 9:30-37

What is the common denominator of great men, women and Saints? They have the virtue of Humility. What is the virtue that is needed to grow in wisdom and faith? It’s the virtue of Humility.

In the gospel reading, while Jesus and the disciples were journeying towards Galilee He did not wish anyone to know about it. Why? Because Jesus is full of Humility and He has that self-effacing attitude. We all know that around that time Jesus was already very popular for the reason of His miracles and healings. Wherever He goes throng of people follow Him. But the fame did not bloat His ego in fact as much as possible He always wants to keep a very low profile and it is attributed to His Humility.

While walking Jesus noticed that the disciples were arguing so He asked them but they were not able to answer for they were discussing who was the greatest amongst themselves. And Jesus knew about it.

So Jesus said: "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all." Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, "Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me."

Tomorrow, will be Ash Wednesday this also is an opportune time for us all to assess and reflect on how far have we moved in living the virtue of Humility....

10:59 PM | Labels: |