The Holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 6:53-56)
After making the crossing to the other side of the sea, Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him. They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.
Reflection: My mom came from a huge family of baseball players and all of us just loved the Dodgers. I remember as a young kid my parents would take me Dodger Stadium to catch a ball game. Back in those days, you were able to walk all around the stadium with no issues, you just roamed as you wished. Therefore, there was always a group of kids my age that would “Scurry” around searching for ball players autographs. I would want to go early to get autographs during batting practice, then during the game I would go to the pitchers dug out, and after the game there was an area where the players come out. I am not sure who enjoyed it more though, was it I or my mom.
Around the same age, 10 or so, I was given a blessing when I won a contest through the archdiocese (I don’t remember what) and I was going to some place to receive my award. But I didn’t care about the award, all I cared about was that I was going to meet the Dodger 2nd baseman, Jimmy Lefebvre (1967-1972) because he was giving out the reward. I remember it was my mom that took me (of course) because my dad had to work. And when I met him (WOW!), he was such a great guy. He was warm, comforting, easy to talk to and best of all, he was Catholic. Well, at that very moment, I became a huge fan of Jimmy.
In today’s scripture we long for and desire for healing from Our Lord which is what moves us to rush and follow Jesus. We all “scurry” to get his autograph. We will go to towns, valleys, and marketplaces, begging that they might touch the fringe of his cloak. We will carry those who are unable to walk on mats. No matter where we find ourselves, we are vulnerable and in need of healing. This healing is not limited to just physical healing. It could also mentally healing or spiritual healing too. Whatever we need Jesus, He is right there.
We come to prayer often with our needs. But we can come to prayer also to know what we might do for Jesus, what he might do through us. Discipleship brings us into both friendship and partnership. We are grateful for both these callings, knowing that every time we meet the Lord, we are healed and strengthened.
Action of the Day: Is there something I am carrying that may not be obvious to anyone else? Perhaps I can recognize my need for prayer in this situation and furthermore to walk with others in this journey of life.
Audio Reflection:
