Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 3:7-12

 

Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of 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.  He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him  and shout, “You are the Son of God.” He warned them sternly not to make him known.

 

In today’s Gospel reading, the people of Israel are overwhelming Jesus. People from all over the country are coming to Jesus to be healed. The Gospel reading says “He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him.” Why would all these people seek Jesus? It’s simple. They knew that they would gain freedom from their afflictions if they reached out to touch Christ. Yesterday’s Gospel reading was also about reaching out. We hear that Christ cured the man with the crippled hand when he reached out. Because of their faith, these disciples reach out to Christ to true healing; not just physical healing, but also spiritual healing. It was purely because of their faith they were healed. We too are called to reach out to Christ. He will chase away our demons and free us from our afflictions. The demons are no match for Christ. It says in the gospel that the demons “fall down before him and shout, ‘You are the Son of God’.” As we begin to approach the Lenten Season, we need to focus our faith on Christ. We need to reach out for his saving grace. This is done through deepening our prayer life and giving of our talents and treasures. We should reach out with expectant faith to his healing powers. No matter what affliction you have, Christ welcomes you into his open arms like a small child reaching out for his parent. In your prayer, reach out your arms. Extend them upward to heaven. Call out to Christ and let him know that you are there.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God, I reach out to touch your robe.

I reach out with expectant faith for your healing love and grace.

Set me free from my afflictions which block the path to you.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon