Following Jesus

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Jesus, the rock star.

In today’s reading from the Gospel of Mark at the end of Chapter 6, Jesus disembarks from a boat.  It’s the same boat that he got in with his disciples when the storm came up and he walked on the water.

So today, scripture tells us that when people began to recognize him, they “scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was.”

Wherever Jesus went, people “laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak.”  Those who did so, were healed.

In the Eucharist, we have Jesus—body, blood, soul and divinity—the Real Presence of Jesus in the consecrated bread at Mass.  Jesus is here today for us like he was for those first-century people who sought him out.

He is here today in God’s people also.  Disciples everywhere are on the move, bringing the presence of Jesus to those who are in need, drawing them to him.

In the first century, Jesus was on the move.  He didn’t sit around and wait for people to come to him.  Even Pope Francis has alluded to this in his popular quote about the Church being as a “field hospital.” 

The Pope says the Church “goes forth” and that it is a “mobile structure” and “it is necessary to go out: to go out from the churches and the parishes, to go outside and look for people where they live, where they suffer, and where they hope.”(rt.com/news)

Like those first century people who sought out Christ, we too, recognize the healing power of Jesus and not only seek it for ourselves, but by the grace of God, long to draw others to him.  We would be wise to take to heart those words of Pope Francis which encapsulate what Jesus did so many centuries ago.

And as we all know, faithful disciples of Christ do their best to follow his words and actions.  Ask God today where he needs you and what he wants you to do.

Then do that.

Janet Cassidy
janetcassidy.blogspot.com
janetcassidy.blubrry.net

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