The Power and Need of Faith

 

 
 Mark 5: 21-43

Jesus Heals a Woman and Jairus's Daughter

²¹ And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. ²² Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet ²³ and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” ²⁴ And he went with him.

And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him. ²⁵ And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, ²⁶ and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. ²⁷ She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. ²⁸ For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” ²⁹ And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. ³⁰ And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” ³¹ And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’” ³² And he looked around to see who had done it. ³³ But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. ³⁴ And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”

³⁵ While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” ³⁶ But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” ³⁷ And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. ³⁸ They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus^[b] saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. ³⁹ And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” ⁴⁰ And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. ⁴¹ Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” ⁴² And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. ⁴³ And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

Two healings from those needing and seeking a cure. Jesus does not hold back, but admires their faith as well as granting their requests. How deep is my faith?  Do I fit this picture? It seems so simple, yet we find ourselves so far away from it.  We might need a physical healing, but perhaps we might pray first for an increase of faith.

Bro. Rene

 
Christ the healer, you returned Jairus’ daughter to wholeness, as she lay on the brink of death. You healed the hemorrhaging woman when all the doctors had failed. We pray today for the healing that only you can give—the healing of our souls, the very center of our being, which is totally dependent on you. Open us to your healing presence in our lives. Amen.

 Rev. Louis DelFra, C.S.C.

 

Our Daily Struggle

 

Mark 5: 1-20

Jesus Restores a Demon-Possessed Man

5 They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. ² When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. ³ This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. ⁴ For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. ⁵ Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.

⁶ When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. ⁷ He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” ⁸ For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!”

⁹ Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”

“My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” ¹⁰ And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.

¹¹ A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. ¹² The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” ¹³ He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.

¹⁴ Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. ¹⁵ When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. ¹⁶ Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. ¹⁷ Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.

¹⁸ As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. ¹⁹ Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” ²⁰ So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

A careful reading of this passage causes fright and confidence. This demon-possessed man seems beyond help as "Legion" torments him and all who come into contact with him.  What would it be like to meet him face to face on a narrow path? Yet, Jesus does not fear him and sacrifices the large herd of pigs for this man's freedom.

We find here a great cause for hope that no matter what evils, what struggles we face daily, none is beyond the power of Jesus to free us and normalize our lives. We need to be reminded of this, for we can get lost in daily "tortures" (mostly self-inflicted) and become paralyzed, thinking "there's no way out."  Jesus assures us that with him, there is always relief, freedom, salvation. Let him call the shots in our lives as he did with this possessed man.

Bro .Rene

Our days, O God, are often spent in the midst of a world that is filled with the mystery of human weakness. We experience bewilderment and disorder as we attempt to decipher the contradictions of mind and spirit. Many of our brothers and sisters often give up hope of rediscovering peace of mind and right judgment. With the help of your divine grace, O Lord, help us to understand that our daily life is not to be understood as conflict and confusion, but rather as an opportunity to grow in tranquility and holiness. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Rev. LeRoy E. Clementich, C.S.C.

 

 

 Matthew 5: 1-12a

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, ² and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

He said:

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

What a wonderful way t o begin the week, especially a week dedicated to Catholic Schools.  Jesus in this beautiful and poetic passage, describes the norms the subjects of his kingdom are to follow: poverty of spirit, mercy, righteousness, peacemaking, cleanliness of heart, and, yes, even persecution. A follower of Jesus will stand out as "different," and rightly so, for just look at the world and the unhappy, "out of control" people who do NOT follow his teachings. May we take some time today, as familiar with this "Sermon on the Mount:, as we might be, reflect on in again and again and let it sink into our hearts, that we might live it as naturally as we put on our shoes and socks.

Bro. Rene

Gracious God, you know how deeply we long for wholeness and a deeper happiness than we find in things and possessions. Teach us to take your Son’s beatitudes to heart, so that in letting go of those things that bind our hearts and minds, we may experience something of the joy and wonder now being experienced by all the saints in heaven. Amen.

Rev. Herb Yost, C.S.C. 

Why Are You So Afraid?

 

 Mark 4 35-41

Jesus Calms the Storm

³⁵ That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” ³⁶ Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. ³⁷ A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. ³⁸ Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

³⁹ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

⁴⁰ He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

⁴¹ They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

As always, a look at today's news stories: brutal and fatal beating by police, frigid cold, suicides on board a carrier, etc...and like the apostles in the boat during the storm, we feel we are on the brink of perishing. We need this gospel daily with it's calming presence of Jesus who brings peace to the turmoil. May he not only calm the storm, but calm our agitated hearts, filling them with faith and  his peace.

Bro. Rene 

Lord Jesus, as your Church—the barque of Peter—sails the sea of time, it is often beset by the storms of division and persecution. In our lives, too, we encounter headwinds and squalls: physical illnesses, wounded relationships, the grief of loss, and the shame of our sins. When we can feel as if the waves breaking over us are too much and are filled with fear, rouse our faith in you whom even wind and sea obey, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

 Rev. Stephen Koeth, C.S.C.

Small Beginnings, Greater Ends

 

 Mark 4: 26-34

The Parable of the Growing Seed

²⁶ He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. ²⁷ Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. ²⁸ All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. ²⁹ As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

³⁰ Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? ³¹ It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. ³² Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”

³³ With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. ³⁴ He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.

 Our small deeds of kindness, our simple :"presence" with a friend or someones in need, the common, the unspectacular, the everyday routine, these are not the things that make the headlines, but they are what constitute to our dowry, our legacy.  These are what add up and bring with us as we stand before God who will ask, "And what have you done with  the gifts I gave you? How have you used the tools I put in your tool box,? How have you lived your life? These two parables remind us that we all don't have to be a Rembrandt or A George Washington, but simple people who put whatever gifts they have at the disposal of God, and as small as they might  seem in our sight, they are capable of making a lasting contribution to the building up of God's kingdom.  May we never underestimate the power of the small.

Bro. Rene

O God, help us grow in holiness and peace. Without your heavenly nourishment, we are bound to wilt and wither. With the aid your Son’s example, we shall grow a hundred fold in all that enriches your kingdom, now and forever. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen.

Rev. LeRoy E. Clementich, C.S.C.

Let Your Light Shine

Mark 4: 21-23

A Lamp on a Stand

²¹ He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? ²² For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. ²³ If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.”

²⁴ “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. ²⁵ Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”

As we celebrate the lives of Saints Timothy and Titus, we are reminded of our own call to be evangelizers, teachers, preachers, witnesses of the LIGHT, Jesus.  We have not been given the gift of faith to keep it under the bed, but to let it shine so that others may see, may believe, may live in joy.  We are called to share what we have, not hide it.  Today there is so much fear of rocking the boat, upsetting others; so much "political correctness" that we feel compelled to live our faith in private and let others do whatever they want.  What if the disciples of Jesus or the countless saints and teachers over the centuries had done that?  There would be no Church today. But they lived their faith and shared it with others;  so must we.

Bro. Rene 

Heavenly Father, through the incarnation of your Son, the Church bears the divine light of the anointed one. Let each of us bear the infinite measure: Christ alive in us. Overflowing with infinite grace, may we offer more than our life's work. Give us courage to share the living Christ for all to see, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen

  Aaron Morris, C.S.C.

Our Mission

 

 Mark 16: 15-18

Preach and Fear Nothing

¹⁵ And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. ¹⁶ He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. ¹⁷ And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; ¹⁸ they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Mark's Gospel tends to be simple and direct, and so it is with the great commissioning of the Apostles.  The mission is clear, preach the Gospel, not only locally, but to the whole world. Great signs will accompany the preaching and there is nothing to fear. How many times have I written JUST DO IT.? Paul was a DO-ER!

As we celebrate the conversion of St. Paul, who, among other things was my choice of patron saint when I was confirmed, may we look at this man's conversion and zeal reversed from a persecutor of Christians, to an indefatigable and effective promoter of the very religion he was trying to eradicate. I am honored to bear his name, and keep his example before me as one who never stopped preaching and teaching the Good News "in season and out." May we all find our inspiration in this "Apostle Come Lately",  and a man for whom the whole world was not large enough.

Bro. Rene

Lord God today we join with the Church throughout the world to celebrate the feast of the great apostle to the Gentiles. Called by the risen Christ, Paul no longer lived for himself or for his own justice but only for Christ and with Christ. May we who follow in his footsteps never seek to build up ourselves but always to give of ourselves in building up the body of believers. Amen.

 Rev. John Conley, C.S.C.