Homily: First Thursday of Ordinary Time

First Thursday of Ordinary Time (Mk 1:40-45) “I God a Secret”

After the Christmas season each year, we begin reading about the early ministry of Jesus. In the Gospel of Mark, we have a unique dynamic that takes place. Various people come to Jesus because he is a faith healer.

Modern medicine is vastly different from what would have been found in the time of Jesus. In fact, medicine was primitive until the last few centuries. What did people do when they were sick? They would seek out those who were known to have healing gifts. Men and women would learn from each other about various remedies for illnesses.

Religious figures were often the ones people believed could heal. We often think that Jesus was unique in his abilities, but he was not. There were others who lived when Jesus did who had healing gifts. Some even credited with bringing people back from the dead. We must remember that there was no exact methodology to determine if someone was dead. Often people were resuscitated or simply recovered.

Another aspect of the healing stories of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark is that often Jesus would tell those that he healed not to tell anyone. For that reason the Gospel of Mark is said to revolve around the “messianic secret.” It seems Jesus did not want to reveal that he was God’s son until he felt the time was right.

When people found out that Jesus had healed somebody, however, the word would spread. Jesus’ request that his patients not tell others did not work. We could ask if he really believed that he could keep his identity secret.

It may be that point the writer of the Gospel of Mark was trying to make was that people are often very slow to see God’s hand in the different experiences that they have in life. We could witness a healing and only be amazed at what happened rather than see Jesus at work in our lives. What miracles might we be failing to perceive today?

1.    When I experience good fortune do I see God at work? Do I even think about God at such times?

2.    Do I keep my faith a secret? Can I share my faith with someone today?

Dear Parishioners,

          I went to say Mass at Overlook Village today. We have been going there quarterly to celebrate the Eucharist. We also have ministers taking communion to that facility once a month. The residents were most appreciative that I came to see them even though I was late. There was a little confusion about the day I would come. The residents sat patiently saying the rosary until I arrived. And there was not a complaint about my tardiness.

          This tells me that the people who were gathered wanted badly to attend Mass. Pastoral care is such an important ministry. Those who are shut in love to have a sacramental moment. If you are interested in helping with this ministry just give me a call and I will see if this ministry might be right for you.

          May Our Lady pray for us!

          Fr. Mark