Daily Reflection – 2/9/2024
Sacred Scripture
Again he left the district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis. And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him off by himself away from the crowd. He put his finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!” (that is, “Be opened!”) And [immediately] the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly. He ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it. They were exceedingly astonished and they said, “He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and [the] mute speak.”(Mark 7:31-37)
Reflection
“He has done all things well.” The people in the District of the Decapolis were deeply touched by the actions of Jesus Christ. They saw, firsthand, the singular qualities of caring, of kindness, of tenderness, of always reaching out to heal, to forgive, to teach.
The overriding message of His life to them and to us is to follow Him and to be like Him.
To be like Him.
I can hear the voices saying: “But he was the Son of God. How can any one of us be like God?” But I can also see the wry smile on the faces of the committed Christians because they know exactly how.
You and I have the ability to be like Him every waking moment of our lives. Simply by emulating the qualities He exhibited. Caring, kindness, forgiveness, selflessness, openness, and so many more of the qualities the earthly Jesus exhibited in his ministry on earth.
When Jesus came to earth, He not only came to die for us, but He also came to set an example through His life on earth and through His teachings as to how we should practically live a life that is pleasing to God. The life that Jesus lived is the life that we should follow and imitate.
The world has its own values; its own systems; and its own priorities that are totally contrary to the values and laws of God. The Lord expects our values as Christians to align with God’s ways and teachings. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2.
That central quality of love must permeate who we are. It is love which should drive every action and every word. Will we falter? Of course. But just as Jesus faltered in the road to Calvary and git up each time, so should we. We never give up because we are children of God and through His Holy Spirit, we are given the gifts to pick ourselves up each time.
Children of God.
Is there any statement that is more powerful? More enlightening. More self-esteeming? When we embrace that and act that out in our lives, something wonderful happens over and over.
Ephphatha!” (that is, “Be opened!”)
That’s right. When we act out His love, we are opened. Every action and every word that is spoken from the love of Christ opens us more. It is similar to the most beautiful flower in the world opening each petal as it warms to the sun and the gentle breezes. As we grow in Christ, our soul is nurtured. The Holy Spirit, dwelling within us, opens us more to the beauty and the strength of Jesus Christ. As we grow in Christ, we lay the steppingstones of our pathway to life with Him.
And there is one other awesome and life changing result. When we act in the love of Christ, we are opening the hearts and minds of those around us. People touched by our love, pause and realize that they want to pass on the love of Christ. They now are opened to not only receiving love but being able to give that love to another.
Now you have to admit that is truly AWESOME.
You and I walk in the love of Christ and you and I have the power to be a positive force in a world that needs us and the love of Christ.
Thank you, Jesus, and thank you for helping others be opened by the power of His love.
Prayer of The Day
“Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit and inflame my heart with love and compassion. Make me attentive to the needs of others that I may show them kindness and care. Make me an instrument of your mercy and peace that I may help others find healing and wholeness in you.”
Daily Note
The Lord treats each of us with kindness and compassion and he calls us to treat one another in like manner. The Holy Spirit who dwells within us enables us to love as Jesus loves. Are you willing to share that love and compassion with others?. Are you prepared to accept the invitation by Christ to open the eyes and hearts of those around you to the love that is theirs to claim?
It is so hard “…to be like Him…” living in our world/country more focused on anger, accusation, threats, lies, negativism, racism, xenophobia, violence, selfishness- to name some of the evils we are enduring as we try to “be like Him.” It will be getting much worse as we move toward the November election.
I understand your response. Remember your mission — to be a model that reminds people of His love. That is needed more than ever in a climate of rancor.