SERMON/HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 5TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II 5TH FEBRUARY 2024

SERMON/HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 5TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II 5TH FEBRUARY 2024

1Kings 8:1-7,9-13; Ps.132; Mark 6:53-56

An Encounter with Jesus

In the gospel reading, Jesus had just arrived the land of Gennesaret and news about his presence went abroad. We can begin to imagine what name was used to describe him to the people: “behold that man who can heal all forms of diseases is around”, or “behold the powerful magician is in our city”. The fact is, there is no indication that the people rushed out to Jesus because he was the son of God but because of what they believed they could get from him.

Surprisingly, this is not one of those moments where Jesus questions the motif of the people. He simply obliged them all and brought about positive impact in their lives. Even though they may be acting ignorantly, Jesus saw their need and addressed it.

In a way, these people represent us. So long as we are still in this world, our knowledge of God will not be perfect. Perfect knowledge comes when we behold the beatific vision of God in heaven. Yet, God will not turn a blind eye to our needs just because we do not know him well.

The people also represent absolute trust in God. They came to Jesus because they believed he could heal their sicknesses. We can imagine that the crowd was so overwhelming so much so that it will be almost impossible for Jesus to address them individually. He may not even be able to touch them all. Yet, in their great faith, they requested that they touch the fringe of his garment. However little it may seem, they believed that a contact with Jesus or anything associated with him, is enough to address their situation.

Do we apply this faith when confronted with life’s difficulties? Do we believe in having encounter with Jesus? What is our attitude towards Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament? Jesus wants us to have the culture of casting all our burdens unto him. See, what you believe in, is what you go for. If your faith is tied to Jesus, you will never undermine having an encounter with him.