The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, January 12, 2006
Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Samuel 4:1-11
Psalm 44:10-11, 14-15, 24-25
Mark 1:40-45

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Can you imagine being told something in a stern voice by Christ, and then disobeying and 'doing your own thing'? That's what we read today in the gospel of Mark. Christ cleansed the leper, but sternly requested that he tell no one. Because he disobeyed, Christ could no longer openly enter the villages, but rather had to go to deserted places.

We too can interfere with the eternal plan, when we follow our own wishes, instead of the will of God. Why would we do that? Sometimes we do not listen to the Holy Spirit, or what we hear is not to our liking! We hear of 'Catholics' picking and choosing which parts of our Church teachings they will follow, for instance. What would the world look like today if everyone had followed the will of God instead of their own wishes. It is hard to imagine!

O Holy Spirit, enlighten us!

- Joan of Jesus, OCDS
(jmurphy at utica dot edu)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2006 The Way, The Truth, The Life