Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 3, 7-12
Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples.
A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea.
Hearing what he was doing,
a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem,
from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan,
and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon.
He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd,
so that they would not crush him.
He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases
were pressing upon him to touch him.
And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him
and shout, “You are the Son of God.”
He warned them sternly not to make him known.
Toward the sea
1. Reach out. Being a Christian doesn’t mean standing still or going round in circles. Instead, Christians are called to be out and about, actively seeking others it’s a totally different lifestyle. We are reminded that we’re meant to be a “Church that goes forth”. It’s our mission to go out, share, and reveal Jesus to others. We shouldn’t keep getting stuck on minor issues, like who sings in the choir or who leads the pastoral council or the liturgy. While we argue over these small things, there are people outside—who don’t yet know Jesus—losing hope. Some begin to feel depressed, and many drift away from life, from Jesus, and from peace. Let’s go out and reach those who are in need! Let’s adopt the attitude of seeking out those who have yet to meet Jesus.
2. The crowd. When our spirituality is lacking, we “crowd” or “press in” on Jesus, approaching Him with force or impatience rather than with true closeness or devotion. It’s as if we treat Jesus like a genie in a lamp, hoping He’ll grant our wishes. But Jesus isn’t Aladdin, and He’s not a magician—He is the Lord, the Son of God.
3. To touch him. St. Augustine explains that to truly touch Jesus is to experience the supernatural. It means having a personal encounter with Him and growing closer in relationship. The search you pursue in your life will eventually lead you to this encounter with a greater reality. May God reach into your life today and bring about the greatest miracle—your happiness.
Always remember that something good is on the way!
God bless you and protect you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
