4th Week in Ordinary Time
1st February 2023 (Wednesday) Readings and Reflection
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Reading of the Day
First Reading: Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15
Brethren: In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.
Psalm 103:1-2, 13-14, 17-18a (R. see 17ab)
Response: The mercy of the Lord is everlasting upon those who hold him in fear.
Gospel : Mark 6:1-6
At that time: Jesus came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, "Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offence at him. And Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honour, except in his home town and among his relatives and in his own household." And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.
Daily Gospel Reflection
The Reflection by Fr. Thumma Mariadas Reddy MSFS{alertWarning}
Main Theme: Faith is a must!
Indicative: There is no doubt that God is all-powerful and everything is possible for Him. But, in His love for us, He respects us and gives us freedom. It is for us to allow Him to teach and discipline us and thus we grow{alertSuccess}
1. Reproof, correction, and discipline are generally resented and resisted because they are not in good taste. Accordingly, often, unfavourable situations, unpleasant experiences, sufferings, and adversities are considered punishments from the Lord.
2. But today the word of God reminds us that they are part of discipline for a child by his father. A certain discipline and chastisement is a necessary ingredient of any true love, and a steady training process. For the moment, discipline may look painful and unpleasant, but it yields rich fruits of peace and righteousness. Therefore what is needed is, not to easily succumb to dissipation, not to waver and stumble, not to grow bitter, and not to get defiled and unholy.
3. But this is possible, only when one really “believes” in the Lord. Such faith demands that one is not easily caught up with mere external factors, or carried away by human considerations or calculations. Sadly, Jesus’ people were stuck to the earthly origins of Jesus and failed to see beyond. They refuse to recognise and accept his divine wisdom and power.
4. Their lack of faith came in the way of Jesus’ abundant healing ministry. It cautions us to rise above and beyond the merely physical and material realms and to penetrate into the higher horizons of the love and power of the Lord.
5. When one fails to look beyond and trust in the above, one will not recognise the real identity and power of Jesus, and thus not experience his miracles in life. We need to bear in mind that the true miracle of faith is not the absence of any adversity. Rather, it is the sense of discipline and forbearance that looks beyond what is apparent and convenient.
Imperative: All growth requires some discipline. Discipline is not a curtailment of freedom, but is an entailment of maturity and responsibility. Discipline is not stifling growth, but channelling and directing growth.{alertSuccess}