January 17, 2020

Friday of the First Week of Ordinary Time

Readings for Today

Saint Anthony of Egypt, Abbot—Memorial

Crowds gather as Christ heals the sick. Engraving by T. Phillibrown after B. West. Credit: Wellcome Collection. CC BY

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. Mark 2:1-2

There were so many people coming to Jesus that there was no room for everyone, not even around the door to the house He was in. This is an interesting situation. On a practical note, why wouldn’t Jesus have noticed this dilemma and done something about it? Why not move out into a larger area where everyone could see and hear Him?

It’s hard to answer that question but there is one thing of which we can be certain. We can be certain that those who came to listen to Him, even if they could not get in, were greatly rewarded for their faith. This passage reveals a very important spiritual principle. It reveals that the spiritual longing to be near Jesus was, in and of itself, transforming.

Often times we will have a similar experience. We may find that we long to hear Jesus speak to us, but we cannot seem to hear Him. It may be that He appears silent to us or that we do not know where to find Him. But do not be disheartened if this is your experience. The fact of the matter is that your desire to be with Him is itself a great gift and has potential to transform your life.

Reflect, today, upon what may be termed “the silence of God.” There may be times in your life when God seems to be distant and is nowhere to be found. When this happens, you should realize that this is a way for God to call you even closer to Himself. It’s a way for God to whisper so as to gain your full attention. If this is a “struggle” that you experience at times, turn your attention to our Lord all the more intensely and allow the desire for Him to grow. It is this desire to be near Jesus that may actually produce much greater fruit in your life than if you were to hear Him loud and clear.

Lord, please increase within me a desire to be near You. Help me to long for You with all my heart. In that longing, help me to shed all that is not of You and to give You my full attention. Jesus, I trust in You.

More Gospel Reflections

Divine Mercy Reflections

Saints/Feasts for Today