Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

January 15, 2021

Deacon Anthony J. Cincotta

Saint Mary Magdalen Parish, Media, PA

Letter of Saint Paul to the Hebrews 4:1-5, 11

Psalm 78:3, 4, 6-8

Mark 2:1-12

            Today’s Gospel narrative finds Jesus at home.  I like to think He was taking a short break from His ministry.  However, because of His incredible fame, like those annoying phone calls we sometimes receive at dinner time, He was being interrupted by His disciples as the house filled with people to the point of overflowing.  But, did Jesus regard this as an interruption of His quiet time at home?  Was He upset when they opened a hole in His roof to let in the paralytic man?  Not one word in this Gospel indicates that He was “put out” in any way.  Our Lord continued to do what He does best; to preach, to teach and to heal.

            Preaching, teaching and healing are the keys to Jesus’ public ministry.  They flowed through Him and He could not stop doing them anymore than He could stop breathing.  The “rest” at His home was so that He could participate in His vocation at home, with His family near and alongside people that He trusted.  I say this because the ever-present scribes were even at His home to try and test Him.

            Friends, here we are during the “Ordinary Time” of the Churches liturgical season.  It is time to dwell on our own ministries.  Do they flow naturally from our human spirit as we utilize our talents and gifts to benefit others?  Are they shared in our homes as well as the outside?  Finally, do people have to cut a hole in our own roof just to get a few moments of our undivided attention?

            We have all heard the expression, “There is no rest for the weary.”  For that, we thank you, Lord Jesus.

Question of the Day:  How will you, as a disciple of Jesus, use your talents to announce the Kingdom of God?

Prayer:  “Do not forget the works of the Lord?”  Psalm 78.

Prosit