In the Book of Hebrews we are reminded to treat our trials as discipline, something that Jesus encountered when he preached at Nazareth. As we live our faith today may we consider our struggles and difficulties as “homework for holiness” through which God strengthens our faith and renews us in grace.
The two healing miracles in the Gospel of Mark today reveal the healing power of the Lord, inspiring us to draw near to the one who knows our need and longs to touch our hearts with his grace.
Humility happens when we are simultaneously aware of our sins and acknowledge God’s grace. When we bring together this understanding of our sinfulness and God’s mercy we can be honest with ourselves and thus approach the Lord and others with a humble heart.
Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of Heaven as a mustard seed that grows slowly and steadily, reminding us to be open to the Lord’s grace in our lives today…so that we continue to grow to full stature as disciples of Christ.
St. Paul’s conversion shows how God calls us to make changes in our lives as we draw close to Jesus Christ and proclaim the Good News. The Lord reaches out to us in our weakness, inspiring us to turn away from our sins and become living witnesses to the world.
Jesus teaches in the Gospel today that all who do God’s will are part of his family. Through prayer, Scripture, sacraments and fellowship we become spiritually fruitful as we offer our lives to the Lord.
We know firsthand the different types of darkness that occur in daily life: fear, grief, loss, pain, anger, loneliness, rejection and doubt. In these moments we call upon the Lord – who casts out the darkness – so that we can live in the Light of Christ.