Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also.”
The Gospel according to Mark 1:29-39
Lectio: What does the text say?
And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. And in the morning, a great while before day, her rose and went out to a lonely place, and there he prayed. And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also; for that is why I came out.” Following this text, which words, phrases, or actions draw your attention or interest?
Meditation: What does God say in the text?
In the first paragraph we see how Jesus Christ shows his care for our various ills as much as he aids us against evil. Do I realize how Christ cares and helps me with my ills and problems, and protects me from those who do evil? We also see the importance of praying at the end of an honest day’s work and at the start of a new day. Do I do the same, thanking God and asking Him to watch over me during my day?
In the second paragraph, Jesus Christ clearly tells us to move on, to not stay anchored to one place. It is true that we must tend to our community and parish, but it is like walking in circles as we should imitate Christ by going towards the world. How are my actions and mindset in taking the Lord’s message? Do I bring it inside (in my family, community, group, movement, parish) and outside (peripheries, that is to say, places where I am not, where I don’t go) or do I only stay inside?
Following the message in this text, what is your meditation, your personal reflection?
Oration: What do I say to God?
O Lord, you are always by my side, fighting against the ills that assail me and protecting from those who do evil. In my prayers I thank you for it and for how much you give me, for you are generous in your love. Give me the strength to spread your Word not only around me but beyond that—as far as you wish. Following the message in this text, what is your personal prayer? Include your personal intentions. Amen.
Contemplation: How do I internalize the Word of God?
“Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also.” (Repeat) “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also.” “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also.” Following the message in this text, which word, phrase, paragraph, or action helps your remember the text?
Action: What do I promise God?
To go to those around us and beyond, to take the Lord’s message with us, to give relief to the world’s ills, and to pray together to invite the Lord to protect us from all evil. Following the message in this text, what concrete action does He invite you to do?
