Daily Reflection for Monday February 08, 2021
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Monday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/020821.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Genesis 1: 1-19
Responsorial: Psalm 104: 1-2a, 5-6, 10 & 12, 24 & 35c
Gospel: Mark: 6: 53-56
Our reflection on Monday’s readings:.
“They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was.” Mark 6: 55
Over the last several weeks, I have been scurrying about the surrounding countryside in search of COVID-19 vaccine appointments for at-risk friends in Florida and my 90-year-old mother who lives in her own home in Nebraska. At this writing, there are no appointments to be had. Not for our friend in home dialysis for kidney failure, nor for Mom. They want to live, and I want them to live so I keep searching.
With our current COVID-19 vaccine situation in mind, it is easy for me to imagine how people scurried when they realized Jesus was nearby. Jesus, who could heal debilitating health issues and prevent death for loved ones! Oh, what people would do to give Jesus’ hope and healing to beloved friends and family.
The Old Testament reading describes how God made the heavens and earth. Today, as Christians, we know we are part of God’s kingdom. We have the awesome and challenging responsibility to follow Jesus’ teachings and continue his work on earth.
We want everyone to feel the healing touch of Jesus. It is why we serve one another with kindness and love. It is why we support and encourage those who struggle. In times of loss, we prayerfully hope our attempts at consolation might help connect a grieving friend to God’s comfort. We, with our personal strengths and weaknesses, are devoted to serving God and one another.
There are many ways to bring a “Jesus hug” to others – to help Jesus touch them through interaction with us. Our lives are full of opportunities, as many opportunities as there are people around us. It might be a smile for the unruly child and his mom in the grocery store. It might simply involve taking time to “be present” in a heartfelt manner with a friend or family member. There are many hurting, aching, suffering people in our lives. We just need the eyes of Jesus to see them and a heart of compassion.
Who needs a healing touch from Jesus through you?
Blessings to you,
Ruth Mytty