Daily Reflection – Feb 4, 2016

Thursday 4 February 2016

First Reading: 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12
Responsorial Psalm:
Lord, you are exalted over all
1 Chronicles 29:10-12
Gospel Reading: Mark 5:1-20

Today’s Note: Thursday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading:

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two
and gave them authority over unclean spirits.
He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick
–no food, no sack, no money in their belts.
They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic.
He said to them,
“Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there.
Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you,
leave there and shake the dust off your feet
in testimony against them.”
So they went off and preached repentance.
The Twelve drove out many demons,
and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Reflection:

Majesty and love bestowed.

David dies, blessing and warning his son Solomon to keep the Lord’s ways. “His kingdom was firmly established.” Majesty and love are bestowed on Solomon in this solemn moment when King David passes sovereignty to his beloved son. He blesses Solomon with the words, ‘Be strong and show yourself a man.’ And Solomon prospered in all wisdom. He established great things for the people.

In Mark’s gospel, Jesus shares his authority with the twelve, sending them on mission. He sends them to drive out demons, a real theme in Mark’s gospel, but they also anoint the sick with oil to heal them. Jesus tells them to travel lightly, and to leave any place that does not welcome them.

Have you discovered any demons that you want Jesus to cast out? Talk with him about it. What parts of your life and your loves need anointing? Ask for it. Have you ever stayed too long in a place or in a relationship, when you should have shaken the dust from your feet? What did you learn?

Thank you for sharing your authority with us, Jesus. Teach us to use it to do justice, to offer mercy, to work for reconciliation and unity. We need your authority.