Daily Reflection – 1/19/2023
Sacred Scripture
Jesus departed with his disciples to the sea, and a great multitude from Galilee followed him; hearing all that he was doing, they came to him in great numbers from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond the Jordan, and the region around Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him; for he had cured many, so that all who had diseases pressed upon him to touch him. Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and shouted, “You are the Son of God!” But he sternly ordered them not to make him known. ( Mark 3:7-12)
Reflection
We read today how the multitudes came from far and wide to see Jesus Christ. It was a mixed group for sure. Some came because His message resonated with them. Some came out of curiosity. Some came, not because of His words but rather because they wanted something. And, then, of course, there were the demons and the Pharisees.
The majority came because they needed something. They want to touch Jesus and be blessed in some way so they can go on about their lives.
To be blessed and go about their lives….
It’s not much different today, many who profess their belief in Christ only come to him when they in need.
The whole history and wonder of Christianity though is far more than that. Millions have discovered and believe that they can feel the presence of Jesus in their lives and be touched by him if they but give themselves to him.
And that is not difficult. Its really quite easy. It’s simply a matter of priorities. Who and what is important in one’s life. When we review that list, is Christ there? If he is on that list and you believe, then you are almost there. The rest is simply yielding and using words and thoughts to converse with God and let Him know that you are His. You are a servant of the Lord. In that role, your life and the lives of those around you will change!
Or perhaps you come to Jesus when you need him. Perhaps He has even touched your life in one of your “visits” to him. If that’s the case, you too are almost there. The key to “getting there” is to understand that the way Jesus wants to save us is not outside of us. He expects and wants participation by us. He wants to save us through transforming us from within to unite ourselves with Him. He wants to involve us in His own priesthood so that we can convert our entire life into a sacrifice of love for God and others.
Or perhaps you profess to be Christian, but you are not truly a disciple. You are not a hunger learner of His word or an active follower. You might even say some prayers but you never have encountered in prayer. The key here is to simply take the time and make Him a priority. Start with a few minutes each day and have a conversation with him. Make this a daily routine in your life. The more you do that, the more you will find that He answers you, often in a variety of ways but he answers you. In your daily conversation ask Him to draw you to Himself with increasing faith, fervent love, and readiness to do His will.
Now here is the added bonus.
Those who take Jesus seriously will, in union with him, go out as Good Samaritans to care for a wounded world. There is a lot of “hurt” in this world and there is so much that could be done to heal if we took our belief in Jesus Christ seriously. Not just on Sunday or when we get together in a Church function but every, single day.
Our world is partially populated by extremists on the left and the right. Imagine how different it could be if we were extremists of our faith. If we were driven and had the passion to live out His words.
Jesus is as attractive today as ever. But many times, our lives, our hearts, our minds, are so weighed down by so many worldly cares and anxieties, by so many lesser hopes, by so many false gods that we place first in our lives, that the type of wonder, fascination, love and attraction we’re supposed to have toward Jesus is extinguished partially or fully.
Maybe it’s time that instead of going to the store for a can of beans, we decide to buy all that the store has to offer and enjoy a repast with Him.
Prayer of The Day
“Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Inflame my heart with a burning love for you and with an expectant faith in your saving power. Set me free from all that hinders me from drawing closer to you.”
Daily Note
It is by faith that we touch Jesus. And far better to touch him by faith than to touch or handle him with the hands only and not by faith. It was no great thing to merely touch him manually. Even his oppressors doubtless touched him when they apprehended him, bound him, and crucified him, but by their ill-motivated touch they lost precisely what they were laying hold of. O worldwide church! It is by touching him faithfully that your ‘faith has made you whole’ (Augustine of Hippo 354-430 A.D.)
Excellent post.