Gospel Reflection (Mark 1, 29-39), Sunday, 2/8/09

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Link to Raffy's World: http://raffysaldana.blogspot.com

* Sunday, 8 February 2009

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today the Church celebrates : St. Jerome Emiliani

Link: http://www.dailygospel.org/www/main.php?language=AM&ordo=&localTime=02/08/2009

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Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 1, 29-39.

On leaving the synagogue he 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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Reflection:

1. In today's Gospel we see several aspects of our Lord Jesus Christ: (a) Jesus is a healer, (b) Jesus is a preacher, (c) Jesus can drive away demons, and (d) Jesus prays.

2. Jesus cures various diseases: In our country and in our world there are millions of people who are sick not only physically but also spiritually. Let us pray that sick people will be cured of their illnesses.

3. Jesus preaches the Good News: Let us pray that the Good News tranforms us into doing what is good and avoiding what is bad.

4. Jesus drives away demons: Let us pray that demons (of all forms) would be driven out not only in Galilee but also in our country and the world today.

5. Jesus prays: Like Jesus let us make it a habit to pray.

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Sunday Gospel Reflection (3/30/08)

(Source: http://www.beliefnet.com/)

In God, There Is No Darkness

(1 John 1:1-7)

The Word of Life

We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us—we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

God Is Light

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

On Forgiveness: Time Heals All Wounds

Do you remember the time when you felt it was the end of the world? When you were hurt emotionally because you thought you were betrayed? Or someone close to you did something that for you was unforgivable? Or you committed a serious mistake and you couldn't forgive yourself?

There is an adage that says "Time heals all wounds."

I find this old saying true in most cases. There were many times in the past when I was involved in interpersonal conflicts. But after some time and I look back at those situations, the wounds that I thought could not be healed are now gone.

I think that the key to healing is forgiveness. Sooner or later, we have to forgive -- not only the people that hurt us but also ourselves.

Today's Gospel (Luke 15:1-32) is about healing and forgiveness. The classic story of the 'prodigal son' applies to all of us.

In today's issue of Sambuhay (September 16, 2007) Sister Ma. Gemma Victorino, PDDM, says:

"We are always welcome to repent and return to Him, no matter how many blunders in life we have committed... If after experiencing God's forgiveness, we, too, learn to forgive and be ready to offer a welcoming hand and heart to a sister or brother who seeks to rectify things and live in the joy and peace of a truly reconciled life."

Make this day a meaningful one. Let us learn to ask for forgiveness and to forgive.

(Cartoon Source: http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/t/time_heals_all_wounds.asp )

Raffy
The Pisay '77 Blogger
9/16/07