The early passages from Mark Chapter One are kind of like “a day in the life of Jesus”. They are an attempt by Mark to characterize how Jesus lived and ministered. There is also a conflict between him and the disciples who think he should go immediately to Jerusalem and make his presence known in the “big city”. But Jesus is happy to stay in Galilee preaching there and healing those in need.
Jesus recognized that his life was very limited, so he was content to go to the fishing villages and farming towns, and respond to the needs of those who came to him. He never wrote a book or held public office. To the casual observer at that time, it might seem he died an apparent meaningless death at a very young age.
Yet we know this humble simple life changed the world. We sometimes ask ourselves if the food we donate to food banks and homeless shelters is making a difference in light of continued world hunger. Then I read a gospel such as today and realize that Jesus spent his ordinary day very humbly and simply doing what he could. As a result, the way I spend my time doesn’t seem so useless.
All God expects me to do is be Doug to the full extent of my “Dougness”. I will then be a tiny jewel in my piece of the world. God will then use that to be a part of the great mosaic he is making.
DeColores, Deacon Doug
Join us in prayer!
We encourage you to join us as we recite the Holy Rosary every night at 8PM! On Wednesdays, we pray the rosary via Zoom with the rector and rectora.
Resources for those not able to attend Mass
Daily Readings in English and Spanish from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:
Prayers, readings for Mass, and additional spiritual readings are available at:
“Give Us This Day” a digital file of their periodical, which includes daily Mass texts. Visit GUTD.net and select “Digital” in the upper right of the screen.
