The Word of God
Jesus departed with his disciples to the sea, and a great multitude from Galilee followed him; hearing all that he was doing, they came to him in great numbers from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond the Jordan, and the region around 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; for he had cured many, so that all who had diseases pressed upon him to touch him. Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and shouted, "You are the Son of God!" But he sternly ordered them not to make him known.
Mark 3:7-12
Some thoughts on today's scripture
ActiveDefault- This reading is a summary of the many activities that constitute the ministry of Jesus. Preaching, healing, and exorcism are highlighted. The setting is the Lake of Galilee, a familiar scene in the gospel narrative. For many contemporary pilgrims to the Holy Land this is their favourite place. This is where they feel closest to Jesus.
- By naming some of the locations from which “great numbers” travelled to meet Jesus, Mark emphasises how his reputation has grown. The named places represent the north, south, east, and west. They are centres with large Jewish populations, even though Tyre and Sidon are in Gentile territory. But these “great numbers” are a drop in the ocean compared to the number of Christians today. We can legitimately speak of a World Church.
Some thoughts on today's scripture
ActiveDefault- When we hear a story like this and experience how hectic Jesus’ life was, we may feel that our lives are very uneventful by comparison. At such times it is important to realise that Jesus is present and speaks to us individually, in the inner eventfulness of our lives, loving each of us unconditionally. In his presence we can be fully who we are.
- Be with Jesus as he highlights for you what he most appreciates about your life, and all the devotion to him and others there is in it.
Some thoughts on today's scripture
ActiveDefault- Jesus finds himself suddenly a ‘sensation’ – mobbed by onlookers who have come even from foreign parts. They’re satisfied with nothing less than getting to touch him.
- We in our day can ‘touch’ Jesus in many ways including through our prayer with Sacred Space which helps us to connect with him and his presence in our life.
Some thoughts on today's scripture
ActiveDefault- This move to the lakeside is away from the synagogues where he was meeting the passive resistance of the scribes. Jesus is at his ease in open spaces, near lakeside, hills and sky, unprotected by institutional walls. People converge on him from unexpected places, seeking healing and good news.
- Lord I come to you seeking to be healed and to hear good news. No place is too far that we cannot come to you.
Some thoughts on today's scripture
ActiveDefault- Jesus did not seek popularity: he was not looking for 'likes' or 'followers' to bolster his identity. He knew who he was. My identity, too, lies in my being a child of God, in my loving relationship with the source of life.
- The people took notice of what Jesus was doing and turned to him. How does this speak to me in this time of prayer?
Some thoughts on today's scripture
ActiveDefault- All Christians say, ‘You are the Son of God!’ Yet our apartheid in faith is striking. Christian martyrs in Africa were even divided in the flames that consumed them together. Still, we are now trying for unity and mutual respect. There are a thousand flowers in God’s garden.
- You say, Lord, that they who are not against you are with you. You are the builder of our house. Though we are imperfect disciples, we are still your living stones. Lord, let me risk even one initiative for unity and for a common service of love.
Some thoughts on today's scripture
ActiveDefault- The magnetism of Jesus is revealed here. Ordinary unimportant people offer him an enthusiastic reception. They approach him with one desire – to touch him and be healed. Loving energy flows out from Jesus.
- Am I easy about joining this enthusiastic crowd of poor people? Can I admit that I too need the healing touch of the Son of God? Do I radiate healing to others?
Some thoughts on today's scripture
ActiveDefault- Jesus recognized that there is a time for silence. I ask God to guide me to know when I might speak and when silence is my better witness.
- People came to Jesus for healing; in his presence the attraction of light and wholeness was evident. As I spend this time with Jesus, I let him quell any spirits in me that are not for my good.