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Gospel Reading for February 4, 2024 – Mark 1: 29-39
FOR US ONLY
On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them.
When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.
Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come. So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.
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Imagine, the whole town was at the door of Simon and Andrew’s house with sick people and people possessed by the demon. And, as Jesus taught the apostles in the gospel reading yesterday, afterwards, he went off to a deserted place to pray. He was pursued by Simon and others, telling him that everyone was looking for him, but he opted to go to other places and never lost sight of his mission, the purpose for which he was sent to the world.
It is always a temptation to stay where one has done marvelous deeds and one enjoys acclaim, and this is not just in the realm of spirituality. Most of those who become famous would always want to stay on top, to be above everyone else, especially in the entertainment world. So, when someone who is better goes to the top, the drop is disastrous. It is no wonder why a lot of celebrities and even famous personalities deteriorate in their old age. They go into depression and if unable to seek help, ruin their lives in drugs, booze, etc. and sometimes even commit suicide. This is why we should always keep our focus on the purpose of our life. Although we are the ones who live, and we can call it our life, LIFE IS NOT MEANT FOR US ONLY. For it to be called a life, it has to be given. Just imagine if we live for ourselves only? What kind of a life would it be?
Wherever we find ourselves in this world, even if not in the Church, we have to seek spirituality in the things we do. Life is NOT A COMPETITION. If we are entertainers, our life is given to help people relax and enjoy, especially in the midst of difficulties. If we are doctors, our life is given to help people get back their good health. If we are teachers, our life is given to shape young minds for the future, and so on and so forth. We all have something to give because we all have received gifts from our Creator. If we wish to obtain true happiness, the key is to discover how we may be able to contribute to GOODNESS and LOVE in this world with the gifts we have received from God!
Lord Jesus, we pray that the lives given to us by your Father, will never be wasted!
