Monday, February 7, 2005
5th Week in Ordinary Time

1st Reading: Gen 1:1-19
Gospel: Mark 6:53-56

Having crossed the lake, they came ashore at Gennesaret where they tied up the boat. As soon as they landed, people recognized Jesus and ran to spread the news throughout the countryside. Wherever he was they brought to him the sick lying on their mats. And wherever he went, to villages, towns or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplace and begged him to let them touch just the fringe of his cloak. And all who touched him were cured.

Commentary

AGAIN and again we hear that no matter where Jesus is found, the sick are brought to him and people run with the news of the hope of healing, dignity, acceptance for those ill and the whole community. They beg, for his touch, to touch the fringe of his clothes and they're healed if they get that close. And this is Gennesaret where they had told him to leave before! Obviously they recognize him because the man Jesus told to stay and bring hope by his story and what Jesus had done for him, now bears unbounded fruit in his neighborhood. Now the lake that drowned the pigs, brings Jesus back and wholeness, right living (those in their right mind) now come together-the gift shared. Do we live, when we are healed and forgiven and reaccepted into God's family so that others come to recognize Jesus in our words, our lives changed and our sharing of God's goodness to us with others? This is the only gratitude God wants and that we can actually practice. Help us, O Lord of all life, help us.

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