Daily Reflection for Monday, January 27, 2020
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners!
We encourage you to reflect on Monday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/012720.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-7, 10
Responsorial: Psalm 89:20, 21-22, 25-26
Gospel: Mark 3:22-30
Our reflection on Monday’s readings:
“Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables.” (Mark 3:23)
It made sense then and it still makes sense now. At times, we humans hear messages more easily and clearly through a story (or parable) than we do in reading or hearing straight text. As a parent, I have found that a good example is worth many words in trying to get a central theme or idea expressed to our children in a lasting way.
Another way to look at this is to consider the idea of “story” as we read scripture. The practice of Lectio Divina (which means divine reading literally) helps one to go deeper into scripture by reading the passage several times and focusing on what word or phrase pops out the first time, followed by deeper reflection on that word or phrase the second and third reading of the scripture. The Ignatian practice of Gospel Contemplation encourages us to enter into the story of the scripture reading and to see what truth is gleaned for us there. Which person in the passage are we? What sights, sounds, smells, feelings does the passage elicit for us?
Today’s gospel contains a parable that feels a little harsher than some others we find in scripture. Anytime Satan is in the script, I want to hide or run away. Jesus uses words that evoke some pain or tension at the least, such as the topic of a kingdom being divided against itself. Entering into this passage, I find myself standing in the nearby crowd, watching, listening and feeling.
Seeing a scribe question Jesus’ origin makes me pause because, before this day, I thought the scribes were wise men whose words commanded my attention. Now listening to Jesus talk, I realize that these men are human like the rest of us. Sometimes having our authority and beliefs questioned makes us defensive. I hear Jesus call me to introspection first when I experience such defensive feelings—to insure faithfulness when I respond. Jesus will forgive me my shortcomings if I seek His wisdom and grace.
What piece of this passage speaks to you today?
In Heartfelt Joy,
Lynne Brennan