THE TRUTH AND MERCY OF GOD - 1/20/23 (Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time)

Mark 3:13–15

And he went up on the mountain, and called to him those whom he desired; and they came to him. And he appointed twelve, to be with him, and to be sent out to preach and have authority to cast out demons.

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012023.cfm

Blessed Friday and blessed Memorial of Sts. Fabian and Sebastian! Jesus came to save us from our sins. Because of our fallen human nature, we have the inclination to commit sins and fall to the temptations of the devil. As such, to receive the gospel of Christ also means to deny the lies of the evil spirits. In today's gospel reading, our Lord Jesus sent His 12 disciples to preach the gospel and cast out demons. Jesus was aware that many people led a sinful lifestyle, not just because of their own choices, but also because of the temptations of the evil one. As such, people needed to know the truth from Christ in order to reject the lies of the devil. This is true for us even today. God calls us to reflect on the gospel and be firm in our Catholic beliefs so that we may be protected by the grace of God when the time comes that we are tempted by the evil spirits to believe in false teachings or to commit sins. This is why Jesus is inspiring us to proclaim the truth in different ways as we ponder on what God specifically calls us to do. When we speak and help other people, we should make sure that what we are saying are not contrary to the gospel. It is also pleasing to God that we may use our social media and other means to share information about the gospel and our Catholic faith with the hope that through this, more people may be open to the voice of God in their hearts. 

Before Jesus told His disciples to preach, it's important for us to reflect on what He did first. He went up on the mountain and called the disciples. And, they came to Him. The mountain symbolizes holiness. Jesus is showing us that before we can be effective instruments of the gospel, we need to grow in our relationship with Him first. This is where the truth of God and His mercy meets. God wants to fill us first with His love for us to share His love with other people. Our proclamation of the gospel in our words will have lesser value if we do not have the desire to deepen our relationship first with Him. We may recognize that we are busy in our personal lives, but this does not mean that we have no time with God. Do we speak to God first after we wake up and before we sleep? Do we spend our free time with Him, even amidst our responsibilities, such us by reading the gospel, reflecting on our sins, praying the rosary, and other forms of prayer? May we not be afraid to trust in Jesus and love Him because His truth and mercy will protect us from the demons.  

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

Saint Fabian, Pope and Martyr—Optional Memorial:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/january-20-saint-fabian-pope-and-martyr/

Saint Sebastian, Martyr—Optional Memorial:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/january-20-saint-sebastian-martyr/

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