Fanatic or Faith-Filled?

Fanatic or Faith-Filled?

 

 They laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed. – Mark 6:56

 

Alma is an avid movie fan who follows her idol wherever she goes — no matter how far and inconvenient it is for her. When asked what she gets out of being an avid fan, Alma simply said, “The joy of seeing my idol and being with her, even if she does not notice me in the crowd but I am able to at least touch her hand, brings me much happiness. It’s enough to brighten up my day and take away the tiredness of following her around.”

God does not require much from us for Him to pour His blessings upon us. It is not a matter of how many novenas we recite, how much time we spend in church or how much of our resources we have offered back to God.

All He asks is for us to have faith in Him and obey Him. Then everything else follows. What matters most to God is not what He sees from the outside but the sincerity and love hidden in our heart. God listens to all those who call upon Him in faith. Jane Gonzales (mjsg2468@yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION:

There is no one insignificant in the eyes of God that He would not extend His mercy and love.

 

Forgive me, Lord, at times when I doubt that You hear my cries. Help me to realize that You are by my side and love me unconditionally all the time. Amen.

 

 

The “Bellboy God”

 

What do you think after reading these few verses in today’s Gospel passage? Impressed? Awed by Jesus’ success? Amazed by Jesus’ healing touch? Wishing you had been there, begging Him to touch you and heal you, too?

I cannot blame you for your impressions. Grand success in Galilee, that’s how Mark describes it. He doesn’t even enumerate the places or count those who came to be healed and were healed. But I urge you to think a few months ahead. The same Jesus who experienced a hero’s welcome wherever He went is suddenly alone. His disciples were gone. The crowd was observing and turning hostile towards Him. Nobody stood by Jesus, nobody supported Him. You know what was going on in today’s Gospel passage? It is not about a grand success but about Jesus being used by the people. Yes, they conveniently used Him for their own purposes. They were there to get something from Him but never thought of giving Him something. Unfortunately, that’s human nature.

Have you not experienced something similar? No letter, no phone call, no text from a person until he/she needs something from you.

How many people go to church for baptism and for a funeral? But when invited to contribute to the parish by joining an organization, they are too busy. How many turn to God only when they need Him?

In good hotels, you find bellboys. You ring the bell and they come to carry your luggage or do what you ask him. Is God our bellboy? The Good News is that Jesus healed and healed and gave and gave even though He knew He was being used. And that continues until now. But would it not be nice not to approach God always with requests (or even demands) but to offer God more devotion... more love in return for His blessings? And don’t forget, you love God best when you love your neighbor. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

 

Reflection Question:

Am I one of the crowds that enjoy God’s help and healing but shy away from returning His favors with more service and love of neighbor?

 

Lord, I am ashamed to approach You because I have discovered myself among those who use You but do not offer something in return for Your graces, blessings and help. Forgive me and remind me more often of this weakness.

 

St. Cuthman, pray for us.