Weekly Reflection 02/07/2021

REFLECTION

The Fifth Sunday In Ordinary Time

February 6-7, 2021

Today’s Gospel is a guideline for faith and life.  By listening to Christ’s words and watching His actions we receive a blueprint for being a true Christian.

Lesson One; Faith moments occur when we least expect them.  After leaving the synagogue, Jesus, James and John pay a visit to the home of Peter and Andrew.  Instead of spending a relaxing time with his friends, Jesus is immediately called upon to cure Simon Peter’s mother-in-law, who was ill with fever.  How often are we called to be Christ to someone in the most unexpected or inopportune moments?  Yet it may well be that this is the only chance you get.

Lesson Two; Sometimes we are called to serve others even when it is late and we are already exhausted from work.  After sunset on that same day, all who were ill or possessed by demons were brought to Jesus and, “He cured many who were sick with various diseases and drove out many demons.”  There are times when we are emotionally and physically exhausted, yet we are asked to do a little more.  With the Holy Spirit’s power as our strength and Christ’s actions as our example, we will persevere and succeed.

Lesson Three; A healthy faith life is based upon the proper balance of prayer and work.  After a long night Jesus rose, very early before dawn, left and went off to a deserted place, where He prayed.  We must never become too busy that we cannot find time for quiet prayer.  As St. Francis de Sales advised, “Every Christian needs a half hour of prayer each day, except when he is busy, then he needs an hour.”

Lesson Four; There are times when we have to leave our comfort zone.  When Simon Peter and others find Jesus praying, they tell Him that everyone is looking for Him  However, instead of staying in a place where He has been successful and appreciated, Jesus told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also.”  It is easy to become complacent by only doing those things in our parish or our faith life that we enjoy or do well.  God asks us to go further in spreading His Word.

In all we say and do, let us be Christ like by always putting God’s will before our own.  Let our motivation never be for our own gain, but for the greater glory of God.

Patrick J. Perkins