Reflection for Jan. 29, 2012
posted on: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 by: rbauer
by Sister Francis Bangert
In Mark's Gospel today, Jesus enters the synagogue to
teach. He knows who He is (One rooted in the love of the
Trinity) and what His mission is ("I have come that you may have
life and have it in abundance"). Clear identity and focused mission
empower Him to teach with authority, to attract aching hearts with
a new vision of life. To give credence to the power of His
words, Jesus then acts: "Come out of him" and the unclean spirit,
now powerless in the face of Jesus, comes out of him. Mark gives no
further details about this man, except that Jesus healed him.
When have you or I personally experienced or know someone "being
held powerless" by an addiction: perfectionism, alcoholism,
workaholism, drugs, sex, gambling, food, or others. This "unclean
spirit" controls us to such a degree that we are paralyzed and
unable on our own to become free. It is only in turning to Jesus
and reaching out to others (family, friends, recovery groups,
counselor, spiritual director, confessor) that the power of love
and compassionate listening can help us re-think, re-direct,
re-cover and know the "abundant life" Jesus offers.
Through our Baptism, you and I -- the church -- are called in
our daily lives and in ordinary ways to either reach out to others
for help in our need, or be a life-giving instrument to those who
are hurting. In this New Year, may we humbly receive the abundant
life Jesus offers us and live in true freedom.
"If today you hear His
voice, harden not your hearts."