THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE IN THE LORD - 1/30/23 (Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time)

Mark 5:7–9

“What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me!” (He had been saying to him, “Unclean spirit, come out of the man!”) He asked him, “What is your name?” He  replied, “Legion is my name.  There are many of us.” 

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/013023.cfm

Blessed Monday! When we look at the lives of the saints, we may easily notice their virtues. Some saints were granted the crown of martyrdom while some saints showed extraordinary patience in bearing the faults of others. Some saints preached to thousands of people and were instrumental in their conversion while others were inside convents, monasteries and even on deserts offering sacrifices for salvation of souls. Saints also loved the presence of God which was one of the reasons why they always had time for their prayers. The saints are meant to be an inspiration and model for us. However, there are times that we become discouraged in spiritual life when we see our weaknesses and sins. Some of us may think that we can't become saints. But, as seen in the gospel reading, we always have hope in the Lord. A possessed man ran to Jesus and prostrated before Him. The demons could not endure the presence of Christ. When a person was possessed by demons, it means that the person committed grave sins which became an opening for him or her that allowed the evil spirits to enter this person. For some of the people in the time of Jesus, they seemed to give up on this person. But, our Lord is different. 

Jesus had the authority to drive out demons. When many people saw it, they had fear because they recognized that our Lord had Divine authority. At the same time, we should acknowledge the humility of the man. He was freed from the evil spirits when he made the initiative to run to Jesus Christ and show reverence before Him. All of the graces that we see, even in the lives of the saints, come from God. The saints, even the holiest ones, did not become holy merely because of their own strength. This means that all of us have hope, and Jesus is our hope. No matter how much we have fallen to sins, He loves us, and He will transform us if we will humble ourselves, repent of our sins, and trust in Him. If we have committed grave sins in the past which we have not yet confessed, or if we have committed numerous sins without going to confession, let's "run" to this sacrament of mercy. Let's seek the mercy and forgiveness of God. For parents, there may be times that they are not doing their responsibilities properly for their children, both in spiritual life and in other aspects of life. We may also be aware of our imperfections and other sins. But, let's remember that Jesus is our hope, and because of this, we have nothing to despair of. The possessed man, when he was freed from the evil spirits, became a testimony for his family and other people on the power of Christ. Likewise, God calls us to be an instrument to bring more people in our lives closer to Him, and this will only happen when we allow God to transform and heal us. 

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