Reflection:
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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." - Mark 3
The Second Week of Ordinary Time
On the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time, John's Gospel offers us the story of the calling of the first two disciples. He asks them what they are looking for and when they ask where he lives, he invites them, "Come, and you will see."
Wednesday is the Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and martyr. Saturday is the Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor of the Church.
The first reading this week continues with the Letter to the Hebrews. Written to inspire and encourage the community in its faith, he exhorts them "not become sluggish, but imitators of those who, through faith and patience, are inheriting the promises."
As we continue Mark's Gospel on the weekdays, Jesus is asked why his disciples don't fast. He challenges the religious leaders to have a completely open mind and heart to his teaching because "new wine is poured into fresh wineskins." Jesus is the Lord of the sabbath, bringing a new freedom. It is only chapter 3 in the gospel, but because Jesus heals a withered hand on the sabbath, the Pharisees already seek to kill him. Jesus withdraws and people from the surrounding regions come to him, and even the demons know who he is. Jesus names twelve Apostles to be with him, to preach and to drive out demons. Jesus' relatives think he's "out of his mind" because so many people are coming to him that he can't even eat.
Sunday is the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, but in this "Year of St. Paul," some parishes may use the readings which celebrate the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. The Ordinary Time readings include the wonderful story from Mark's Gospel about Jesus calling Simon, Andrew, James and John. "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." The readings for the Conversion of St. Paul include the story of Paul's conversion from the Acts of the Apostles and Mark's Gospel, in which Jesus sends his disciples: "Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature."
Daily Prayer This Week
Ordinary Time is the longest Season of the Church year. Week after week, we are following the scriptures, and learning from them. It is an important time to continue to work on our habits of focusing our desires early in the day and talking with the Lord throughout the day, in the background of our busy lives. This is how we become "Contemplatives in action" and find intimacy with God without leaving the context of the real circumstances of our lives.
We hear people say "I don't have time to pray." With this type of focusing and active consciousness, we find ourselves surprised at the time we really do have. There are dozens of times in all of our days during which our minds are occupied with something: a song, re-playing the last event, practicing a conversation with someone, having an imaginary argument with someone, thinking through the "to do" list of the day. We can learn to fill these times with whatever we choose. If we choose to let it be about our relationship with our Lord, it transforms our lives.
It all begins with our mornings. This week, when we first get up and perhaps for a few moments in the shower or getting dressed, let's tell the Lord that what we desire today is to be more conscious of how what we do this day is responding to his call to me to be his disciple. Then, during the day, in those moments while driving or shopping or walking down the hall to a meeting, we can talk about how we are living our call in this or that activity we are engaged in. That conversation may get more detailed and specific in this or that set of events.
Each evening, for even a few moments, we can review our day's momentary conversations, recognizing the moments of real connection and grace and giving thanks for them, and resolving to take even greater advantage of these opportunities the next day.
Dear Lord, at times, my heart is quite sluggish. Give me hope today. Lift my spirits and give me perspective. When I find myself stiff and inflexible, make me into a new wineskin to receive the alive, new wine with which you wish to fill me. And let me be open to your call to discipleship today. What are the opportunities to preach your Word today? Where can I drive out demons, rather than sit with their discouragement and division? Please fill my home, my workplace, my heart with your Spirit, that I might join you in bringing good news for the poor.
