The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/011415.cfm) reminds me that God knows and can relate to what we are feeling as human beings.
The first reading reminds us that Jesus too suffered on earth. He is human as well, so he is no stranger to problems, temptation, and human concerns. Him being human makes him know exactly what we are going through – pressure from life, stress, hunger, tiredness. He knows, and he is telling us how to handle things.
In the gospel, we see Jesus healing a lot of people – starting with Simon’s mother in law. As a human being, he probably got tired as well. He got hungry as he was doing God’s work. He is just like us. But it is inspiring how committed he is to doing God’s work, and how focused he is on his purpose. Despite being tired, he woke up early to pray. He could have slept longer to get energy for the busy day ahead. He could have bargained with God, telling him that it probably is okay not to pray because what got him tired is doing God’s work anyway. But no, he knows better than that.
Exhaustion should never be an excuse for not praying
Jesus, a human being like us, can do it. So should we also. There are a lot of reasons, or excuses, not to pray and spend time with God. We are tired, we are busy, we are doing other good things anyway. But Jesus tells us that those are not valid reasons to not pray. And it does not end there. There are a lot of reasons why we don’t do good to others, or don’t give to others in need. Jesus is telling us that we should not let these things, these situations get in the way of us doing God’s work and living in God’s ways.
Situations will never be perfect, but we can still do the right things.
Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Wednesday. Thank you for sending your Son to be human like me, so he would understand what I feel and what I am going through. Lord, help me live like Jesus – that despite the situation, despite the circumstances, still does the right things. May I never be satisfied with my excuses for not doing good, or not doing the right things, and just be focused on you. Help me live like Jesus. Amen.
Blessed day!
In Christ,
-g-
Ps
See related reflections:
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January 14, 2015
Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 307
Reading 1 Heb 2:14-18
Since the children share in blood and Flesh,
Jesus likewise shared in them,
that through death he might destroy the one
who has the power of death, that is, the Devil,
and free those who through fear of death
had been subject to slavery all their life.
Surely he did not help angels
but rather the descendants of Abraham;
therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way,
that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God
to expiate the sins of the people.
Because he himself was tested through what he suffered,
he is able to help those who are being tested.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9
R. (8a) The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name;
make known among the nations his deeds.
Sing to him, sing his praise,
proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Glory in his holy name;
rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!
Look to the LORD in his strength;
seek to serve him constantly.
R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
You descendants of Abraham, his servants,
sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!
He, the LORD, is our God;
throughout the earth his judgments prevail.
R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He remembers forever his covenant
which he made binding for a thousand generations—
Which he entered into with Abraham
and by his oath to Isaac.
R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Alleluia Jn 10:27
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord.
I know them, and they follow me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel Mk 1:29-39
On leaving the synagogue
Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.
Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.
They immediately told him about her.
He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.
Then the fever left her and she waited on them.
When it was evening, after sunset,
they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.
The whole town was gathered at the door.
He cured many who were sick with various diseases,
and he drove out many demons,
not permitting them to speak because they knew him.
Rising very early before dawn,
he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.
Simon and those who were with him pursued him
and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.”
He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages
that I may preach there also.
For this purpose have I come.”
So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons
throughout the whole of Galilee.
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