Saint Cyril of Jerusalem Catholic Church

In today’s gospel we see Jesus help Simon’s mother-in–law.  She then in turn waited on them.

Then Jesus cured the sick who were brought to Him, expelled demons from the possessed He encountered, and preached the good news to the poor.

What Jesus did, we too must do in our own ministry to those in need today.  Where we find sickness, we can offer assistance in some form.  Where we find possession by drugs or drink, we can support programs that help those who are afflicted.   Where we find depression, we can share the good news of hope that can be  recovered by prayer.

Sometimes we can help people cope with their difficulties by words or gestures of encouragement.  At other times we can help people through their pain by just being present and sympathetic.  Whatever we have to say or do to minister to someone who is hurting should be of great importance to us.

Such a person may experience a day when his or her life seems to fall apart because of loss of job or health or a loved one.  But he should never know a day or night without a friend.  He or she should always be able to depend on our being there the way Jesus would be present—to touch, to listen and to love.

God Bless

Msgr. Powell

 

Jesus returns from the desert to proclaim the central message of His ministry: “The Kingdom of God is at hand!”

For centuries the Jewish people waited for a great king, The Messiah.  He would lead their nation to a glory surpassing the days of Solomon.  The words of the prophets would be fulfilled; a new age of justice and peace would unfold.  All this would happen when the Messiah came.

Jesus proclaims that someday is now.  The promises have been fulfilled;  the reign of God is beginning now.  “Repent,” He says, “and believe the good news.”

Jesus not only proclaims the good news, He is the good news.  Wherever He appears, evil and death flee like shadows before light.  People are overwhelmed by His power and authority; a tremendous excitement sweeps the countryside as crowds come to follow Him.

Amid all this excitement, Mark tells us about the call of his first disciples.  Mark places this event even before the first miracle.  It is a hint of a theme that will dominate his gospel:  the kingdom of God is not just miracles and wonders, but a call to abandon all else for the sake of Jesus Christ.  That is truly what it means to “Repent, and believe the good news.”

As Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James and John, He offered them the opportunity to be part of this Kingdom of God.  He called them to offer their lives for the work of bringing God’s plan for the world to completion.  Their response was immediate, selfless and total.

We have also been called by Jesus to follow Him.  We are called to make a decision, to accept His invitation to leave behind our old lives, to be taught by Jesus, and to participate in bringing God’s reign to fulfillment. How blessed we are to be called by Jesus.

God Bless

Msgr. Powell