My Thoughts on 08/02/2021

We continue the daily reading from St Marks’s Gospel at Mass. Today we hear how when Jesus landed at Gennesaret people flocked to him bringing the sick on stretchers and wherever he went, to village, or town, or farm, they laid down the sick in the open spaces, begging him to let them touch even the fringe of his cloak. And all those who touched him were cured. Just reading out and touching Jesus brought them healing.

Pope Francis says that we need to develop a spiritual taste for being close to peoples lives and to discover that this is a source of greater joy.

Jesus himself is the model of this method of evangelization which brings us to the very heart of his people. How good it is for us to contemplate the closeness which he shows to everyone! If he speaks to someone, he looks into their eyes with deep love and concern: “Jesus, looking upon him, loved him” (Mk 10:21). We see how accessible he is, as he draws near the blind man (cf. Mk 10:46-52) and eats and drinks with sinners (cf. Mk 2:16) without worrying about being thought a glutton and a drunkard himself (cf. Mt 11:19). We see his sensitivity in allowing a sinful woman to anoint his feet (cf. Lk 7:36-50) and in receiving Nicodemus by night (cf. Jn 3:1-15).

Let us pray today that we may be given the grace and strength to share the lives of others. Help us listen to their concerns. May we help those in need to reach out and touch Jesus. Today we pray especially for all those working to combat the virus. We remember especially those caring the sick and the dying. May their touch be welcoming, warm and full of care for all those they look after.

Canon Father Anthony Charlton
Canon Father Anthony CharltonParish Priest