MONDAY IN THE FIFTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II.
Mystery of the day: Joyful
Table of the Word: 1 Kings 8:1-7.9-13; Psalm 132:6-7.8-10 (R. 8a); Mark 6:53-56.
Celebration for the day: St. Agatha, Virgin and Martyr
(+ 251). She was martyred in
The WORD: "... and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched it were made well." (see Mark 6:53-56)
Theme: ... and He healed them.
Inspiration:
Our reflection today as drawn from the gospel pericope according to Evangelist Mark (cf. Mark 6:53-56) underscores the central mission of Jesus Christ, which His Father entrusted to His care for the redemption of humanity.
However, man after losing the original Grace, lost out in companionship with God and a Messiah was needed to restore him, to bind and heal this wound of friendship with God. That is why God at appointed time sent His begotten Son for this purpose. (cf. John 3:16)
Today, the table of the Word presents us with the event of healing the sick by our Lord which borne out of faith as they made the request:
"... and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched it were made well." (see Mark 6:53-56)
Denotatively, the word healing is understood as sozo in Greek usage which also means "saved." And it is related to those who are either sick or infirm. Therefore, anyone who has survived a serious illness is known to be healed and at the same time being saved from the thorns of pains.
The extract of our today's reflection began with crowd having recognized Jesus whom they heard of His healing power rushed to their houses and neighbourhood to bring all the sick. The Scripture says, they all gathered with their mats, an image which portrays the poorly and sickly state of these people; for mat which in Greek is krabattois meaning mattresses commonly used by the poor. This shows that most often the poor and needy are always receptive to Jesus than prosperous people.
This scenario created an awful picture as people in hundreds converged with all their cares and worries seeking for Jesus' help. In faith they were healed not only by His touch but by a mere contact with the fringe of His cloak (cf. Mark 6:56)
Beloved in Christ, in our moment of difficulties let us not forget that God's hand is upon us. He will never desert us in our situations rather we will certainly triumph over every life struggle. Indeed, we need faith in God so as to receive healing from our infirmities. Infirmities here goes beyond physical ailment but includes other inadequacies in our lives.
Finally, as we join the Universal Church to celebrate the heroic life of St. Agatha today let us ask her to interceed on our behalf that we should hold on to God in every situation. It is my earnest prayer that we may be healed of our infirmities of every kind. Peace! Be with you!
Let us pray
May the Virgin Martyr Saint Agatha implore your compassion for us, O Lord, we pray, for she found favour with you by the courage of her martyrdom and the merit of her chastity. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
© The ARCHIVE 05022024
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