5th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, B

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TWO DIMENSIONS OF JESUS’ HEART

The gospel today shows us a very busy Jesus (Mk. 1:29-39). First he healed the sick mother-in-law of St. Peter. This must have spread quickly that after sunset, so many sick, possessed and afflicted people were brought to Jesus for healing. Imagine, the whole town “was gathered at the door.” Jesus did not disappoint anyone. He continued to heal the sick and to vanquish the evil spirits.

This is the first dimension of Jesus’ life – mercy!  His mercy is so great that he touches people where they are hurting, where they are confused, where they are oppressed and enslaved.  The mercy of Jesus heals, pacifies, returns people to normal.  His heart is filled with so much mercy.

But the busy Jesus does not only dedicate his life to people, however much they run after him and beg his help.  The gospel writer noticed that, “very early before dawn,” the Lord Jesus rose and sought a secluded place to pray to his Father. 

This is the second dimension of Jesus’ heart – union with God, prayer and silence!  His involvement with people actually flows from this special moments he spends with his Father. Too busy with needy people, he assigns quality time for prayer and reflection. His exposure to people’s sufferings drives him to pray more. While his prayer energizes him to share his life with people in an intense way.

This gives us so much hope. Jesus is close to us when we suffer pain.  He knows what we feel and he truly experiences our sorrows. But our exposure to our daily struggles invites us to deepen our faith in the Lord. It invites us to union with God in prayer and to value this relationship which will give meaning to all that we experience.  May the two dimensions of Jesus’ earthly life be also the hallmarks of our lives. Amen!

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