WEDNESDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME JANUARY 12, 2022

MASS READINGS

A reading of the holy Gospel according to 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.

REFLECTION

"Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed."

When you want to pray, where do you go? Most people will go to Church. Yes, of course, God is everywhere, but where can you physically sit, see and converse with Jesus? As Catholics, we are so fortunate to be able to visit and talk with the Author of Grace and our Redeemer in a very intimate way. There is not a waiting line, nor messages left or waiting for call backs. He is there - face to face. He is "available for a visit by anyone who desires Him". (St Alphonsus Maria Liguori) " When you look at the sacred Host you understand how much Jesus loves you now." (St Teresa of Calcutta)

Our time spent with Jesus can be a list of our needs, our worries, our tears and our afflictions. "God likes to listen favorably to the prayers of His faithful, particularly when they are looking at Christ's Body." (William of Auxerre)

But it is also good to listen to Him.

Samuel slept in the Temple of the Lord where the ark of God was. He was there with God. God was looking for him and He called out. Each time, Samuel thought it was Eli, until finally he responded with, "Speak, for your servant is listening." And the Lord stayed with him.

After Jesus healed many people, the following day he rose up very early before dawn, He left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. He needed to be with His Father. Jesus tells us that it is good to spend quiet time with Him.

Before the Blessed Sacrament, we can talk, listen, adore, petition, keep company, thank or merely sit and rest with Him. "All my sermons are prepared in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.... The Holy Spirit that presided over the incarnation, is the best atmosphere for illumination." (Archbishop Fulton Sheen)

"When we go before the Blessed Sacrament, let us open our hearts; our good God will open His. We shall go to Him; He will come to us; the one to ask, the other to receive. It will be like a breath from one to the other." (St John Vianney, PAPA Patron Saint)

"Here am I, Lord: I come to do your will." (Psalm 40)

God Bless You.