February 4, 2018

Gospel: Mk 1:29-39
On leaving the synagogue, Jesus went to the home of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. As Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with fever, they immediately told him about her. Jesus went to her and, taking her by the hand, raised her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. That evening, at sundown, people brought to Jesus all the sick and those who had evil spirits: the whole town was pressing around the door. Jesus healed many who had various diseases, and drove out many demons; but he did not let them speak, for they knew who he was. Very early in the morning, before daylight, Jesus went off to a lonely place where he prayed. Simon and the others went out also, searching for him; and when they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” Then Jesus answered, “Let us go to the nearby villages so that I may preach there, too; for that is why I came.” So Jesus set out to preach in all the synagogues throughout Galilee; he also cast out demons.

Lectio Divina
Read: A depressed Job moans the weariness and boredom of the human condition. Paul too narrates the compelling conditions of his life and vocation, but unlike Job, he delights in it with a sense of freedom. Jesus is hemmed in by the sick and the needy, yet he still finds time to respond to their needs and spend time with his Father.
Reflect: The human condition, with its ordinariness and boredom, demands and work, sickness and suffering, can sometimes be almost unbearable, as Job experienced. One may suffer compassion fatigue and burnout by rubbing shoulders with such realities day in and day out. However, the one who can see through such depressing events and discern God’s designs and one’s own vocation within all these, can transform them into channels of grace for oneself and for others. Like Jesus, those who remain connected to the source of grace, shall never run dry.
Pray: Pray for a heart that remains grounded in God so as to respond to the world around.
Act: Reach out and help a person in need.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2018