Homily of the Day
In many instances during his public ministry, the Gospels tell us that Jesus went off to a quiet place to pray, to commune with his heavenly Father. At the night before his arrest, trial, condemnation and death on the cross, “filled with anguish and distress,” Jesus prayed to his Father at Gethsemane, “Father, if it is your will, remove this cup from me; still not my will but yours be done.” (Lk 22:42) In prayer he was in complete union with his Father.
The Church offers the Eucharistic sacrifice as our great prayer to the Father; participation at Sunday Mass is very important in the life of all members of the Church. The Church stresses the importance of prayer: ordained ministers and religious are required daily prayer. We are all urged to pray and to pray unceasingly.
St. Augustine of Hippo is quoted as saying, “Every Christian must spend an hour daily in prayer; but, if he is too busy, then he should spend at least three hours.”
Are we too busy to spend time with God in daily prayer?
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One Bread, One Body
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All Issues > Volume 35, Issue 1
<< Wednesday, January 16, 2019 >>
Hebrews 2:14-18
View Readings Psalm 105:1-4, 6-9 Mark 1:29-39
Similar Reflections
LORD OF OUR DARKNESS
“As evening drew on, they brought Him all who were ill, and those possessed by demons.” —Mark 1:32
In today’s Gospel, Jesus heals in the evening, in the midst of the darkness (Mk 1:32-34). Jesus entered the darkness to drive the demons out of the darkness. “A people living in darkness has seen a great light. On those who inhabit a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen” (Mt 4:16).
In today’s first reading, Jesus enters the darkness of our fallen human state (Heb 2:14ff). He became one of us. The Almighty God, Whom the universe could not contain (1 Kgs 8:27), became “like His brothers in every way, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest before God on their behalf, to expiate the sins of the people. Since He was Himself tested through what He suffered, He is able to help those who are tempted” (Heb 2:17-18).
Jesus took on our human condition. He bears our afflictions and infirmities (Mt 8:17; Is 53:4). He takes the initiative to come to us not in our strength and beauty, but in our weakness and darkness. Have you ever felt unworthy of God’s love? You are not unworthy to Jesus. He came to seek and save the lost (Lk 19:10). He is the Lamb of God, gentle, innocent, and pure, yet He comes to take away the sins of the world, including yours (Jn 1:29).
Jesus stands and knocks at the door of your darkness (Rv 3:20). “Open wide your hearts!” (2 Cor 6:13) Let the Lord enter.
Prayer: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, nothing can separate me from Your love, not even the darkness (Rm 8:35-39). Come into my heart right now.
Promise: “Jesus likewise had a full share in [our humanity], that by His death He might rob the devil, the prince of death, of his power.” —Heb 2:14
Praise: Jesus delivered David from addiction, thereby changing David’s life and the lives of many others.