In today’s gospel from Mark (2:18-22) (also recounted with minor variations in Mt 9 and Lk 5), the actions of Jesus and His disciples are objected to because they do not follow the expectations of the people who have observed the fasting of John the Baptist’s followers and the Pharisees.  Jesus tells them that the time for fasting has ended (for now) since the awaited One is now in their midst.  Time for fasting will resume when He is taken away from them.  So to for our day, fasting is an appropriate gesture as we await the Lord.  In a small way we do this prior to receiving Holy Communion, where our longing for Christ is fulfilled in receiving Him in the Sacrament.  In a bigger way, we are asked to fast certain days during Lent as we await Jesus coming forth from the tomb in glory.  And it has always been considered a good and noble practice to fast on certain days and during certain times throughout the year. Jesus is our model.  He Himself fasted as He prepared for His public ministry (in Mt 4 and Lk 4), that for which the Chosen People had been waiting for thousands of years.  He also expected His followers to fast in His Sermon on the Mount (see Mt 6:16-18).  By fasting, especially at our most trying moments and in times when a big decision is looming, we honor the Lord’s call and are more disposed to hear His call and discern His Will properly.

Today, we hear from the gospel of John the Evangelist (Jn 1:35-42).  In this reading, John the Baptist again identifies Jesus as the “Lamb of God” as he did the day before (v. 29).  This time, two of John’s disciples (Andrew, who is named, with the other traditionally being identified as the author of the gospel himself) leave John to follow Jesus.  One has to wonder what they were thinking.  As followers of John the Baptist, they were aware of his testimony about Jesus as the Son of God (vv. 18 and 34) and that John’s mission was to prepare for the Messiah (esp. v. 23).  But what of the appellation “Lamb of God”?  It seems unlikely they appreciated the full import of this title given to Jesus by his cousin, however well they understood the scriptures (particularly the Passover requirement of the slaughtered lamb in Exodus 12).  Yet they were drawn to Jesus, or maybe encouraged to follow Him by John the Baptist, or perhaps both.  Then they hear the first words out of Jesus’ mouth in this gospel: “What are you looking for?” They answer by saying: “Where are you staying?”  Maybe they did not know exactly what they were looking for, but they knew that following Jesus would be the sure way to find it.  Is this not a lesson for us today?  Jesus begins by asking us what we are looking for.  Should we not answer as Andrew and John did?  Do we not want to be where Jesus is now?  If so, it is not possible to stay away from Him in prayer, in action, and particularly in His Real Presence in the Eucharist (“I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matt 28:20)).  Do we not want to be with Jesus forever?  If so, we must know Him and follow Him in faith, love, and obedience so as to be with Him for eternity (“In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?” (Jn 14:2)).

Today’s gospel (Mk 2:13-17) tells of the call of Levi (Matthew) to be one of the Twelve.  Jesus then dines at Levi’s house with sinners and tax collectors as the Pharisees comment disapprovingly.  We often hear of people who say that they do not go to church because of all the hypocrites there.  But who in that church lives his life in perfect conformity to God’s will?  To one extent or another we are all hypocrites.  But we are comforted by Jesus’ words: “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.”  We come to the Lord ill with sin hopefully recognizing that the divine healer can cure us if we allow it.  And for those who are obstinate, who knows what scripture reading, homily, other part of Mass, or friendly gesture will lead to a change of heart.  Such is the power of God’s Word, the Mass, and the grace within us.  We, along with Mother Teresa, must say: “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”

Today’s gospel reading is taken from Mark (chapter 2, verses 1-12).  This is the story of the paralytic whose helpers break through the roof of Jesus’ home in order to have Him heal their friend.  What struck me was that Jesus forgave the man’s sins before effecting a physical healing.  It seems to me that this is the template the sick and suffering must follow in order to find true healing.    But, notice the prerequisite: “Jesus saw their faith.”  When we encounter illness, pain, discouragement, or desperation, it is imperative that faith-filled prayer for forgiveness be our first recourse.  Accepting whatever the Lord’s will for a material outcome, if we realize the overriding importance of being right spiritually with God, we will be at peace.

While I set up this blog two and a half years ago, I was inspired today to jot down a few thoughts from time to time (starting with my next post), particularly on the day’s gospel reading from Mass.  I encourage you to comment with any insights or thoughts you may have as well.  And thanks in advance for following me.  God bless.

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