Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time (B)

Mark 1:29-39

This week marks the beginning of the Ordinary Time of the Church's liturgical calendar. The Ordinary Time urges us to live the Christian life in our daily routine at home, in school, at work, or in the marketplace. In the gospels, the Lord Jesus proclaims God's love not only inside the synagogue during the Sabbath but also, if not most of the time, in his daily life by teaching common people, visiting and healing the sick, feeding the hungry and comforting the poor and the afflicted. We, who commit ourselves to Jesus, must also fulfill our saving mission not only through the sacraments but also through the good works that we do for others every day of our lives. 

Today's gospel gives us some fundamental tips on how to live the Christian life.

First, the Christian life is a busy life of service. The gospel tells us how busy Jesus was in his ministry. From sunrise to sunset, Jesus was working because people in need kept following him. He cured many who were sick with various diseases and he drove out many demons. 

For a true Christian, therefore, there is no dull moment because there are so many people out there who need help and love. Are you bored to death? Are you lonely? Why don't you go out and lend a helping hand? Be a Christian. Be busy.

Second, the Christian life is energized by prayer. The gospel tells us that after a whole day of work Jesus rested and woke up very early at dawn in order to find a deserted place where he prayed. This was a regular practice of Jesus as the other parts of the gospel would suggest. In between work, Jesus prayed in order to find guidance and strength from his Father in heaven.

For a genuine disciple, therefore, prayer is a must because life in the world is not always easy. We need God to lead us the way and to sustain us. Be a Christian. Work and pray.

And finally, the Christian life is for the glory of God. The gospel tells us that Jesus started to become popular because of the marvelous things he did to people. "Everyone is looking for you", his disciples told him. And Jesus said, "Let's go to the next town that I may preach there also." Clearly, the Lord did not allow his need of affirmation to distract what God the Father wills him to do.

For a true follower, therefore, personal fame and glory are subordinate to the will of God. Doing the work of Jesus often is not popular, as many saints would testify. What God wants, the world would  sometimes hate. Be a Christian. Be a sign of contradiction.