Saturday.blog
Catholic Calendar for Saturday, February 5, 2005
Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
St. Agatha, virgin and martyr
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Hebrews 13:15-17,20-21
Psalm 23:1-6
Mark 6:33-34
A reflection on today's sacred scripture:
There is nothing quite as frustrating as trying to find quiet time alone or with a beloved spouse or family or friends. Just when a well-earned day off or vacation trip is planned, something comes up at the last minute to prevent it. Or there is an invasion of the quiet place that destroys the peace we had so counted on.
Jesus found the same problem. In today's Gospel, He urged His followers to join him for some quiet time, only to find the place invaded by those seeking healings and miracles. When we read about this incident, we can protest, "It's not fair!" But, did Jesus respond with irritation and rudeness? Not at all.
Leisure time is good--make no mistake about it. Often, it's the only way that God can speak some special message to us. We need that time. Such interludes are not a waste of time, but really making the best use of the gift God has given us. The word "recreation" is the clue--time to be "re-created", to be made over, a time for God's wisdom to direct and shape our mission.
What must we do when that time is shortened or destroyed, or that space is invaded or spoiled in some way? We should respond graciously as Jesus did, and find that the Father's will takes precedence over our own. God is still speaking, but in a different way. He is speaking through the people and circumstances that try one's soul. After we have reacted charitably and patiently to the situation, we should immediately start planning another "time apart" where we can collect our energies, and hear what God had intended to say the first time. Remember, He has quite a bit to say to us that can be communicated in no other way.
- Msgr. Paul E. Whitmore
(smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)
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