APPROACHING GOD - 1/19/23 (Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time)

Mark 3:9–10

He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. 

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011923.cfm

Blessed Thursday! After many people became aware of the miracles of Jesus Christ, a multitude came to see Him. There were too many who looked for Jesus that our Lord told His disciples to have a boat ready for Him so that He would not be crushed. Those who came to Him did it because they wanted to be healed of their diseases. Although what we can see in the gospel reading is about physical illnesses, it also represents our spiritual illnesses. We were aware of how God transformed the saints, despite their sinful past, to the path of holiness. We may also see many people who have radical conversion of leaving their sinful and worldly lifestyle after their encounter with Christ to follow Him and glorify Him. God also speaks to our conscience about our sins and our need for His love and mercy. What will we do about these things? Will we imitate the people in the Scriptures by approaching Christ with great faith in Him? Though we may be discouraged by our sins, let's remember that Jesus is a Merciful Savior. He is our Mediator who is patient with us and who desires for us to be united with Him. He wants our salvation and our healing. 

At the same time, it's important for us to reflect on what we have to do and change in our lives after approaching God. It's good that we seek God in our prayer and ask for His help. It is right that we beg for His forgiveness and reflect on ourselves after committing sins. If we continuously fall to sins, even if small, or if we have engaged in a grave sin, God is waiting to cleanse our souls in the sacrament of confession. But, what do we do afterwards? Let's remember that the reason why we should desire to approach God is because we want to do His will. Doing His will should be the delight of our hearts. This means that we should be firm in rejecting the temptation around us and in doing the resolutions for us to do what is right and pleasing to God. Just as a physically sick person should do better and avoid what causes his or her illnesses after being healed, we should also be on guard to the occasions of sins for us to be faithful to Christ. May we also pray, not just for ourselves, but for others and for the families that we may be able to forgive one another, approach God and reflect on how there can be healings amidst the division in our families. The positive change in our families begins with us when we allow Christ to change our lives. Let's speak to our loving God who will heal us and who will direct our hearts to His will. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth