Orare | Pray

"After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray." — Mark 6:46 (NLT) 

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Today I learn how crucial praying is for Jesus Christ. After teaching the crowd and successfully feeding at least 5000 men out of an impossibility (v.41-44), Jesus insisted his disciples to leave first without Him to Bethsaida, and so did He do to all the people, sending them back home (v.45). Why? Because He had an urge to do something alone. He wanted to pray (v. 46).    

As the Son of God with the same nature of God Himself (Colossians 2:9), He places communication with His Father on top of everything. He sets time for prayers. He needs to share and ask things from His Father. In John 17 Jesus asks His Father for protection over His disciples and for their sanctification. He also prays for the unity of all believers in the world, and for these believers’ future to be with Jesus and that the love of the Father may also be with them.

For us Christians, is praying essential? Is it an obligation or something we cannot live without? Is it a quick prayer before bed or eating? Is it a rush prayer before doing something important which is more like a justification of what we are going to do? Is it a long prayer that we get lost in the middle of the prayer, unable to be focus on a certain subject as our minds wonder here and there? Or is our prayer too official that it doesn’t represent our real situations?

Let’s look at how David prayed in Psalm 13:1-11:

“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, ‘I have overcome him,’ and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.”

It is so raw and honest, yet so intimate. He consciously shared his burden, freely expressed what was on his mind but above all, he trusted God very much on His unfailing love. This king, a man after God’s own heart, was powerful in his time, yet he needed God’s presence and action very much in his life. Just like our Lord Jesus needs His Father very much even though He Himself is God. Do we need God as much as they did that praying becomes very important?

Maybe the problem is too big, too difficult, and the request is too good to be granted that we decide to do nothing. We thought it would be useless. But Jesus said in Luke 18:1-8, that we ought to pray always and never give up because “…God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night…”. Amen. Let’s trust God and pray relentlessly. 

Reflection on Mark 6:39-46 by Desire Litaay 

(Listen to the Podcast here)

Misericordia| Compassion

“Jesus came out, saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.” – Mark 6:34

 

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Jesus Christ and the disciples needed to take some rest in a remote place after a very busy time of working and teaching. However, this was not possible since the crowds followed them and ran ahead to where they were going.

Despite needing rest, Jesus Christ still had compassion for the people and didn’t put His needs first. He continued to teach them and heal them from their illnesses.

The disciples were quite eager to send the crowds away. But Jesus didn’t send them away. By sending them away would have been like in James 2:16 - “Go in peace. Be warmed and filled;” yet you didn’t give them the things the body needs, what good is it?”  Jesus couldn’t teach them and then just send them away without any food. Instead, He asked the disciples to bring whatever food they had.

What stand out here is that the disciples had to bring what they had. We must use what God has already given us, even if it is not the ideal number, place or something we imagine it should be. God will provide the rest.

Reflecting on this passage, I realized again that Jesus had days where there was not even time to eat. This comforts me in times when our schedules are also very packed and hectic.

What life-changing experience it must have been to be part of that crowd on that specific day!

 Reflection on Mark 6: 30 – 39 by Hanne Teach

(Listen to the Podcast here)

Filia Ipsius | The Girl

"She went out and said to her mother, 'what should I ask for?' She replied, "The head of John the baptizer." – Mark 6:24

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The world we live in we come across many young people who really don't know what they want. They go around experimenting with everything searching for happiness and pleasure. It is also a sad fact that often it is the mature adults who allure these young innocent children into all sorts of evil. The children at a very young age lose their innocence. We see many children with many addictions and with gloomy faces. They lose their life.   

In today's Gospel passage too, we come across a mother who due to her hatred towards John the Baptist, making use of her daughter to kill him. The young innocent girl is made use of by her mother to unleash her anger. We see here a very negative example being given to the daughter by both the parents. If the daughter would have decided for herself the gift, I think that it would be a new pair of clothes or a pet animal. I earnestly pray that the young children all over the world may remain innocent.

On the other hand, we see the life of an innocent man being taken away amidst all this. Can you do anything just to keep your word? Even killing someone? Can't you let your ego go? Let us try to show good examples to the people who live among us not by words but by action. If we claim ourselves to be a child of God then we need to behave like one.  We are all called to be a child of God and live our life in its full innocence and holiness. Jesus Christ is giving us this grace.  We read in Luke 11:13 – "If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him." Amen.

 

Reflection on Mk. 6: 21-29 by Fr. George Joseph SVD

(Listen to the Podcast here)

Sanctus vir | Holy man

"for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him." - Mark 6:20 

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Reflecting on the gospel account of Mark, as he carefully recorded the series of unfortunate events that culminated in the execution of John the Baptist, a holy man who was prophesied to have come to prepare the ground for the arrival God's appointed Messiah. He was a forerunner of Jesus Christ, his Cousin (their moms, Mary & Elizabeth were cousins). He was also described as a holy man who lived in the wilderness, clad uncomfortably in camel's hair, and lived on a diet of locusts and honey. 

His holy way of living pointed his followers to holy living and repentance, so that they would be ready for the coming Kingdom of God. This was portrayed in stark contrast to King Herod, who lived in luxury and defied God's commands by marrying his brother's wife. He even had the holy prophet beheaded, at the instigation of Herodias, his brother's wife, and a foolish oath to his daughter Herodias, who asked for John the Baptist's head on a platter. Another vile act that contravened God's law against spilling another man's blood (cf. Genesis 9:6)

Herod knew in his heart that John was a righteous man and tried vainly to protect him. However, he still gave in to his foolish pride and an equally foolish oath sworn before his men. He couldn't back out of his oath and had John executed.

Similarly, we live in an information-rich age, where fake news and half-truths bombard our eyes and ears daily through the internet and on the thousands of media platform that permeate society. Jesus is asking us today the same question that He had posed to Peter more than 2000 years ago after the miraculous catch at the Sea of Galilee (John 21:15), "Do you love me more than these?"

In Revelation 3:20, where the resurrected and glorified Christ declares, "Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me." There are many men, women & children out there who are desperate for freedom from half-truths, sicknesses of the body, mind & spirit. They're crying to hear and know that there is One True God, "Who will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4)

Let us be joyful bearers of truly Good News to a hurting humanity. Let's close with the beautiful words from this worship song that speaks of the glorious second coming of Jesus, our Holy LAMB of GOD who was slain.

Revelation Song

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Worthy is the,

Lamb who was slain

Holy, Holy, is He

Sing a new song, to Him who sits on

Heaven's Mercy Seat

Holy, Holy, Holy

Is the Lord God Almighty

Who was, and is, and is to come

With all creation I sing

Praise to the King of Kings

You are my everything

And I will adore You

Clothed in rainbows of living color

Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder

Blessing and honor, strength and

Glory and power be

To You the Only Wise King

Holy, Holy, Holy

Is the Lord God Almighty

Who was, and is, and is to come

With all creation I sing

Praise to the King of Kings

You are my everything

And I will adore You

Filled with wonder

Awestruck wonder

At the mention of Your Name

Jesus, Your Name is Power

Breath, and Living Water

Such a marvelous mystery

Holy, Holy, Holy

Is the Lord God Almighty

Who was, and is, and is to come

With all creation I sing

Praise to the King of Kings

You are my everything

And I will adore You

Artist: Jesus Culture feat. Kim Walker-Smith

Licenses: (on behalf of Kingsway (KGY)); Adorando Publishing, UMPI, BMI - Broadcast Music Inc., Integrity Music Publishing, and 6 Music Rights Societies 

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/1L0BK0w83o0

Reflection on Mark 6:11-20 by Chris Tan

Iste Faber | The Carpenter

"Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him." - ‭‭Mark‬ ‭6‬:‭3‬ ‭(NIV)‬

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Jesus went to his hometown with his disciples. He taught in the synagogue and many who heard him were amazed. Even though they were amazed they couldn't accept him as a prophet. It was because of their experiences and knowledge. They said “Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?”(:3)

We think common sense is valuable. But we must not put it above faith.  What a pity they couldn't acknowledge Jesus as their Prophet, Son of God, and Messiah. The Bible says that Jesus couldn't do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. (:5‬)

In Matthew 11:25, Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.” And in Matthew 18:3, Jesus said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” These verses tell us that we can learn from little children. They have no prejudice and trust their parents wholeheartedly. 

Oh, Lord. “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”(Mark 9:24)

Reflection on Mark 6:1-10 by Machiko Nakamura

(Listen to the Podcast here)

Actus Fidei | Power of Faith

"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, "Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." - Matthew 17: 20

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There is no limitation for the words or edicts that come out of our mouths. Every word has the power to either give life or death. But remember, the origin of those words is born in the heart and its intentions. Our Lord values a humble and grateful heart full of faith, and he is pleased and even amazed when we show him our need to seek and believe in him, and our willingness to trust in his words and promises wholeheartedly. By doing this, we recognize his sovereignty as King and Lord of overall in our lives. In response, He is moved to act marvelous and amazing miracles day after day as we can see his work in our lives and our loved ones.

The wall that was impeding to directly approach our Father was removed by Jesus Christ sacrifice in the cross. We can see many examples throughout the New Testament that remind us again and again that we can confidently approach the mercy seat for timely deliverance, direction, advice, or help on any situation we might be experiencing. He is our good Father in heaven, always willing to listen and act on our behalf as his beloved children.

It is not about hierarchy position, social status, economic condition, race, or gender. Jesus Christ died for all of us and sees us all equally. 

In the scripture of Mark 5: 21-30, we learn how the true and profound faith of different believers moved our Lord's heart and willingness to perform a healing miracle in their lives as an expression of his inexhaustible love and grace. Every miracle work performed was not for own vain glory, but that our Father who is in heaven may be glorified. 

We see a father, who recognized Jesus Christ's lordship and authority, moved our Lord to heal his daughter lying at her point of death. Jairus, by faith, declared how the healing miracle was to be manifest, by Jesus Christ laying hands on her; and for God's glory, it was granted as he believed and declared.

We also learn how this desperate and sick woman, who carried the effects of a twelve year blood disease, said to herself (wholeheartedly), believing that she will be healed by just touching his garment. In fact, her faith and trust actually took virtue out of Jesus, and she was healed in that same moment as her prayer and intention were also granted.

There is no impossible for the great love of God toward his children in need or in distress. Let's seek him as he is prompt and open to listen to us.  Believe wholeheartedly in his promises, and he will deliver a timely response according to his perfect, good, and acceptable will.

Reflection on Mark 5: 21-30 by Nydia Flores

(Listen to the Podcast here)

In Domum | House

"Go back to your house, to the people from your village, and tell them everything that God has done for you and how He has pity on you!" - Mark 5:19.

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Almost every day we hear God's message telling us to go home immediately. "Going home" has a very broad meaning, not only returning to where we came from, but also a gentle invitation so that we could always love ourselves day after day. Go home and return to ourselves which are sometimes far from other’s attention, far from the warm embrace of God's love too. Because we ourselves choose to leave the comfort and warmth of ourselves.  Sometimes we convince ourselves that we were not loved. We were rejected by our neighbors and at the end by these kind of thoughts, we fall into depression, alone and despair. By being so pessimistic, we bring ourselves away from the warmth of God's love which is real in others.

Truly God loved us very much because everything needed for life is always provided. How often we ignore the goodness He gives. Lenten is the right time to spend a little time reflecting on God's love and grace that we receive every day. 

Simple things are very important and are always considered as extraordinary things like the breath of life which is an example of God's great kindness. If the breath of life is taken from us, then all that is left is vanity. Because everything is not eternal. Only one thing will never end, that is God's love.

Reflection on Mark 5:11-20 by Sr. Yanti Purnawati SFSC

(Listen to the Podcast here)

Salva Ero | Be Cured

"If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured" — Mark 5:28 (NAB).

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During the Lenten Season we come closer to Jesus. We want to touch him and be cured from our weaknesses and sins. If our relatives and friends are in need, we also ask for them.

Crowds always gathered around Jesus, but only a few people could experience their healing. What was special about Jairus and a woman afflicted with hemorrhages?

Jairus came forward and fell at the feet of Jesus. He went out from the crowds. He wasn't afraid of sharing in public about his daughter's condition.

But we are often shy to express our needs and troubles. We prefer to talk about our successes and joys. We do not like to share our problems and difficulties. We are not humble enough to talk about our true feelings and suffering.

For that reason, we can learn a lot from the brave man Jairus. Also, an afflicted woman can encourage us. We do not have to hide our worries for a long time. We should open our hearts and ask Jesus to lay his hands on us. Only in this way we can get well and start to live again.

We are fragile humans who suffered greatly at the hands and words of others. We were disappointed and left alone when it happened. So now we can become wiser and more prudent because we heard the Good News.

Moreover, he touched us many times through other people. He taught us through the Scriptures and healed us through the ministry of the Church. We can be cured by him immediately and preach the goodness of our Lord forever and ever.   

Reflection on Mark 5:21-30 by Józef Trzebuniak

(Listen to the Podcast here)

Deus Lux Mea | God Is My Light

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" — John 8:12 (NIV) 

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Just after Jesus got off from the boat after arriving to the region of the Gerasenes with his disciples, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This particular man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain or strength could ever subdue him. When he saw Jesus, he quickly ran and fell on his knees in front of him. And he shouted: “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. (Mark 5:1-10) 

This sort of situation reminds me of how very often, as men and women we’re often bound to our sins. To our demons, and no matter how many earthly chains, restrictions we may put to ourselves, this evil will always come out from us, and keep haunting us, and it is only thanks to the Lord, that we will be able to be free. 

Deus lux mea est, God is my light, and our light. No matter what will come to us, we can always rely on the Lord, and let Him take the wheel, to set us free.

Reflection on Mark 5:1-10 by Cristobal Alvarez 

(Listen to the Podcast here)

Ventus et Mare | Wind and Sea

“...Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” — Mark 4:41 (WEB) 

Photo by Matt Paul Catalano on Unsplash

 

The disciples took Jesus in their boat to the other side after he taught the crowd, behind, many things. Everything was fine, then came a great storm of wind. The waves beat into the boat so much that the boat was already filling (v.37). It was not resolved by these experienced fishermen. They would perish soon. Panic and looking for Jesus, they were shocked that he was sleeping. They questioned his awareness over the situation, even his care for them (v.38). “Teacher, don’t you care that we are dying?”

Isn’t it familiar to us? We are happy Christians, blessed, involved in many Church events and life seems so beautiful. We are able to handle little storms here and there around our lives with our faith. But when a great sudden storm comes, when it threatens our lives or our beloved ones’, we start to lose hope.

There were moments when my boat was filling, and it was difficult to see a rescue. I wondered whether Jesus was aware of my critical situation. Later, he revealed his plan, moments after moments that showed a bigger meaningful picture.  “We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. They are the people he called, because that was his plan.” (Romans 8:28, NCV). Oh, how he is so many steps ahead than my thoughts.

Verse 3 shows Jesus questioned them back, “Why are you so afraid? How is it that you have no faith?” The problem with the disciples and us, his followers, is we are weak. We need to be strengthened over and over. When your boat is filling, the waves are rising and it seems like he’s asleep, have faith. Have faith, you've got Jesus in your boat. Everything's under control. Because our Lord is the Lord over any hopelessness, as even the wind and the sea obey Him (v.41)! 

Reflection on Mark 4:35‐41 by Desire Litaay 

(Listen to the Podcast here)

Lucerna | Lamp

"He said to them, Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Isn’t it put on a stand?" – Mark 4: 21 (WEB)

Photo by Maddy Freddie on Pexels.com

 

In this parable, Jesus Christ asks questions about how a lamp should be used to fulfill its purpose of providing light. In Matthew 5: 14, we also read about light: “You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden.”

Jesus Christ wants us to shine like lamps as we go through our daily lives. If we keep our lamps hidden to ourselves, we are only thinking of ourselves, and not sharing the Good News to others in this dark world. The light is meant to be discovered by those that are still in the darkness.

People often tell me that faith is a personal issue and hence should be handled as a private matter. This is the opposite of what Jesus Christ is telling us to do.  The light is not meant to be kept a secret and hidden. It should shine brightly from all God’s children.

Shining your light in this world is not easy. You can get rejected, criticized, mocked, jailed or much worse situations.  Even at some time in his life Peter struggled to shine his light and denied Jesus Christ three times (Luke 22:57).  Corrie ten Boom is one of my favourite examples of someone who shined brightly and shared the Good News even in the darkest concentration camps during World War II. 

Shining light is a responsibility and it is what Jesus asked of us to do. In Luke 8: 39 we read what Jesus said to the man from whom the demons had gone out: “Return to your house, and declare what great things God has done for you."

Let us pray and ask God to give us the courage to reflect the light to others and declare what great things God has done for us.

Reflection on Mark 4: 21 – 29 by Hanne Teach

(Listen to the Podcast here)

Unum Centum | Hundredfold

"And these are the ones sown on the good soil: they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty and sixty and hundredfold" – Mk 4: 20.

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We all have seen farmers preparing the soil before the cultivation. It takes quite a lot of time, energy and hard labour. After sowing the seeds, again it takes quite a lot of hard work till the field is ready for the harvest. God gives growth. 

Jesus uses such a parable so that all people can easily understand and grasp the meaning. But still some did not understand because they did not want to understand. A person who is hard hearted won't easily accept the Word of God. We all need the Holy Spirit to bear fruit in us after listening to the Word of God. Knowing the Word of God is knowing God himself. If you love God you will love the Word of God also. When you love God you will try to listen to him and put into practice what he speaks through his word. 

Jesus makes it very clear for us in John 14: 23 – "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." This is a great mystery as well as a great promise. If we want the Triune God to dwell in our souls, we need to just love the Word of God and try to put into practice. Let us not merely become the hearers but rather doers. 

It is a good practice to learn by heart a few Bible words and repeat them over and over. Let the Word of God sink into our hearts and I am sure we can bear fruits a hundredfold.

 

Reflection on Mk.4: 10-20 by Fr. George Joseph SVD

(Listen to the podcast here)

Audiat | Listen

"And he said, 'Let anyone with ears to hear listen!'" — Mark 4:9 

Photo by Dylann Hendricks | 딜란 on Unsplash

Reflecting on the beautiful parable of our Lord Jesus Christ, is a timely reminder for myself about how am I tending the soil of my heart. Is it a good soil that is fully prepared to receive the Word of God, and bear a fruitful harvest or is it a fallow rocky ground that's tainted by shallow philosophies or even false teachings that doesn't place Jesus at the Centre but focuses only on the gifts of the Giver? Are my ears tuned to the still-small voice of the Holy Spirit Who whispers, "I love you more than you'll ever know, my child.", or is it tuned to the noise of the world which threatens to drown out the loving voice of my Abba Father?

The Giver of all good gifts, our Father in Heaven, has one desire is for each of us to grow deeper and deeper in relationship with Him and seek Him first in all things so that we may reflect in increasing measure of His Son's Character and be His hands and feet in a broken and hurting world.

I will close with the Spirit-inspired words of this beautiful Love Letter, which was first published by Barry Adams in 1999 and can be downloaded from the link below (in 125 languages). https://www.fathersloveletter.com/languages.html

There is a link to an audio recording of the Father's Love Letter, which is available for viewing on YouTube https://youtu.be/ZsBhvSMQUk4

On the website below, you can read about how God used a simple prayer of a young man who had prayed over Barry Adams in 1997. It had ultimately led him to compile a series of paraphrased scriptures into a PowerPoint presentation as a message of the Father's love. Since the launch of the video in 1999 as a free Flash video on www.FathersLoveLetter.com , millions worldwide have been touched by the message of our Father's love, and has been translated into more than 125 languages and this video continues to find its way into many places around the world.

The Story Behind the Father's Love Letter…

https://www.fathersloveletter.com/the-story.html

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Reflection on Mark 4:1-9 by Chris Tan