Pray

“Get up, take your stretcher, go home. You are forgiven.” Mk. 2:1-12               One would not expect to find in the book of God’s Word so many details; An opening made on the roof by some neighbors who are looking for a miracle for a man sunk in passivity. Jesus values these simple efforts and, without […]

“He was moved by pity, stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing. Be clean.’ ” Mk. 1:40-45 It is striking in this story that the leper does not ask for healing, but for purification; he wants to be clean. He is more concerned with religious purity than health. According to Jewish

“Jesus came, took her by the hand, and lifted her up.” Mk. 1:29-39 Bible scholars help us discover that Jesus’ teaching is underscored by his gestures. The hands have great significance because they can heal or wound, welcome or reject. In the story, Jesus arrives at Peter’s house and finds his mother-in-law sick. Although it

“This teaching with authority is new!” Mk. 1:21b-28 Jesus teaches in the synagogue in Capernaum, where the people are accustomed to hearing from authorized teachers. We do not know what He taught that day, but we do know the impact it produced; It was so amazing that an unclean spirit reacted with screams, unable to

Monday, January 12 First Week in Ordinary Time “The Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the Good News.” Mk. 1:14-20 According to Mark, the oldest of the Gospels, Jesus began his ministry by giving Good News: “The time is fulfilled, the Kingdom of God is at hand, repent and believe in the

Baptism of the Lord.   “This is my Son, the beloved. Listen to him.” Mt. 3:13-17 Today we pray with this fact of Jesus’ life, a pivotal moment in his history. He sympathizes with the conversion movement promoted by John, receiving Baptism from his hands, despite John’s resistance. Afterwards, Jesus does not return to his work

“It is necessary for him to grow and for me to decrease.” Jn. 3:22-30 The Baptism that Jesus proclaims as a sign of God’s presence in the midst of his people contrasts with that of John the Baptist, which is a baptism of conversion. John is a lamp, a messenger to draw attention to Jesus.

“Jesus, teach me your way of making others feel more human” Lk. 5:12-16 A leper, who according to the law is unclean and must live in isolation, dares to defy the norms and approaches Jesus. He does not feel worthy of speaking to him eye-to-eye, and simply kneels and says, “If you want, you can

“He has sent me to tell the poor the Good News” (Lk. 4:14-22) At the beginning of his Gospel, before narrating the life of Jesus, Luke wants to present his program. Jesus selects a passage from Isaiah and reads it to the neighbors of his town, so that they may better understand the Spirit who

“Be calm, it is I, do not be afraid.” Mk 6:45-52 After blessing, breaking, giving, and sharing, Jesus needs to pray. He sends His disciples to the other shore while He sends the people away. At night, with a strong wind, He sees the disciples having trouble and approaches them by walking on water. The