A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark 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:
According to the Gospel of Mark, not just his disciples knew of Jesus' ability to heal, but people learned of it. Jesus was always on the move and wherever He went, He was recognized. As soon as He arrived the Genezareth people just wanted to touch Him and be restored to health. El Señor de los Milagros (Lord of Miracles) is an image of Jesus on the cross. This image inspires one of the largest religious processions in downtown Lima. It is also one of the largest Catholic gatherings in the world. The main procession takes place every October 18th. The capital literally stops and politicians, clergy and people in general give homage to this famous statue of Jesus Christ on the cross.
I have attended this procession probably since I was “in my mom's belly“ and until the year I moved to Texas. All my family would go to downtown Lima and walk along with a thousand others, looking for a miracle.
There are no words to describe their fervent and passion-filled call to God. I remember it to be incredibly beautiful and powerful. Pilgrims from around the world travel in search of a miracle or to request a special blessing.
All the adults in my family were moved to tears. This was one of the occasions when I would see my dad pray the rosary (my mom prayed the rosary quite often). As a child, all I wanted was to eat all the traditional sweets the street vendors had to offer after the faithful finished walking the procession. I always reminisce about those happy times. Someday, I would like to go back and experience that miracle of faith with a group of people, moving continuously toward Jesus. Just wanting to touch Him, see Him and be close to Him.
For those interested, you will find more information about the Lord of Miracles here:
