God’s healing presence
The story is told about two mischievous boys who were always getting in trouble. The parents asked their pastor to counsel the boys individually. The pastor sternly asked the first boy “Where is God?” When there was no answer from him, the pastor asked the same question with a louder and sterner voice, “Where is God?!” The boy ran home and told his younger brother: “We are in big trouble! God is missing, and they think we did it!”
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In today’s gospel (Mk. 1, 21-28), we hear how Jesus brought back the presence of God by His preaching. The people were astonished and amazed because He taught with authority. We who proclaim the Word of God, do we “steal” His presence from the people? Are we making His presence felt, and His message heard loud and clear?
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We preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, not the gospel of this world, or personalities of this world, and, God forbid, that we preach our own gospel, our own agenda, our own understanding. Yes, “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on our own understanding.” (Prov. 3, 5)
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The man with an unclean spirit was set free by his encounter with Jesus. There are a lot of people who are imprisoned, and need healing and liberation physically, emotionally, and spiritually, especially during this pandemic. May we preach words of peace, hope, joy, and light more than ever. ——————
By the way, when people are in survival mode, let our message be more of Christ, the love of Christ, and less of creed, code, and cult.
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Focus on the Lord, not on the load! Keep looking beyond what burdens you, otherwise you will be tired and exhausted in your journey. “Come to me all you who are tired and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Mathew 11:28-30)
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The man with unclean spirit was perhaps in the temple to seek comfort, peace, and healing. He was reaching out to God! Whenever we are burdened with anything and by anyone, let us reach out to the Lord.
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Remember, instead of wallowing in your load of problems and issues, listen and pray, and let God heal your body, enlighten your heart, and clear your eyes. And please be mindful of people who have far bigger and heavier loads.
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For those who are “loaded” with worldly wealth and possessions, focus on the Lord, the Giver of all your blessings. You who are gifted, don’t forget the Giver of your gifts. Be careful that your wealth doesn’t make you became a POW, i.e., Prisoner Of Wealth, Prisoner Of Work, Prisoner Of Worry, Prisoner Of Waste, Prisoner Of Weaknesses, Prisoner Of Weight, Prisoner Of Worth, and Prisoner Of “Whys?” Travel light and travel right.
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Think about this: “A meaningful life is not about being rich, being popular, or being perfect. It’s about being real, being humble, and being able to share ourselves, and touch the lives of others.”
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Somebody once said that we should say our prayer before meals not only to thank God, but to remind ourselves, and especially the children, that food does not come from the grocery but from the farmers and workers who worked for it, and to remember that there are so many people needing it.
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A moment with the Lord: Lord, may Your healing word and Your loving presence heal and free us. Amen.
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