The Gospel According to St. Mark
Chapter
1
I would like to start this first chapter of the Gospel of Mark with a joke in order to add a little humour.
There was a pastor, approaching customs and the attendant asked him to declare if he had anything in his luggage. He was asked the following question:
"Sir have you anything to declare?
"Have I got anything to declare me a pastor are you joking ?
" I declare that Jesus Christ is the Lord Amen"
1. The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
(The Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verse 1)
As is written by St Mark, no matter what is commented on or written in relation to the Word of God, it is important that it remains the Word of God. I pray oh Jesus Son of God my Father, that although I share my prayers on Your Good News the focus will always be on the message of the 'Good News' and not on, my prayers, which are only sincere prayers to You as part of my prayer time Amen.
2. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, "See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; 3. the voice of one crying out in the wilderness; 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight."
(The Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verses 2 to 3)
Oh God my Father even before I was born You had already been making plans for my life. When I remember that my life is always in Your hands oh God my Father I feel more secure to move on in life Amen. Thank You, Jesus Son of God my Father. Amen.
4. John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
(The Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verse 4)
Oh God my Father everywhere we go during every moment of our lives we are giving messages, at times by the way we speak, by what we speak and even by how we say it. During other moments, our non-verbal behaviour meaning the way we do things with our body such as posture also reflects our attitude or state of mind. However as Christians or Roman Catholics, we have a bigger responsibility in giving out or transmitting positive messages of salvation and redemption and most of all of Your loving kindness which encourages us and gives us better reasons to live. Amen.
5. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verse 5)
Oh God my Father when we answer to Your call of repentance and confess our sins, this is indeed a great miracle, for during confession we are exposing the tricks of the evil one and showing sincere guilt for our sins. It is like saying sorry to You and seeking forgiveness. May I always feel the need both to forgive and to seek to be forgiven Amen.
6. Now John was clothed with camel's hair; with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7. He proclaimed, "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verses 6 to 8)
Oh God, my Father holy people come in all shapes and sizes, some of them are so humble that they do not attract our attention until they die and only then we become aware of how good and holy such people were! I pray oh God my Father that also may be counted among such people Amen.
9. In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verses 9 to 11)
Oh, Jesus Son of God my Father how in need of Your baptism am I. Baptize me with Your Holy Spirit every day of my life, for my soul thirsts for You. This is my prayer, the prayer of a sinner. As a computer needs to be updated, likewise my spirit needs to be updated in You, my God and Father. How I wish that You also look upon me and seek pleasure Amen. I am sorry that I do not always give You pleasure Amen.
12. And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verses 12 to 13)
Oh Jesus Son of God my Father, it seems that as soon as we become committed towards You and towards accomplishing Your Holy will we become the primary target of the evil one, who will include us in his list of enemies that he will use as a dartboard. Our testing which is controlled by You will be in progress as was Yours in the desert, a state of abandonment to nature where we are exposed to all forms of temptation Amen. I pray oh Jesus that when in such a state You will remain by my side because without You I am sure to fail the test Amen.
14. Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15. and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news."
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verses 14 to 15)
Oh, Jesus Son of God my Father, when John was arrested and later on beheaded, a great flame was extinguished. He had been the chosen among the group of chosen ones since the beginning of times to lay down the foundations of Your human descent. However, as in an act, one scene follows another and the minor characters make space for the main actors. Now it was time for You to take centre stage, for John had fulfilled the role that You had assigned for him. In the life of the Roman Catholic Church, You are always a step ahead. During the time of the papacy one pope, you are already preparing the way for one's follower by means of Your Holy Spirit Amen. Even though some worry about the decrease in vocations, when the time is near You will send us the much needed holy vocations in Your good time and not according to our timing Amen.
16. As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea-for they were fishermen. 17. And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fish for people.
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verses 16 to 17)
Oh, Jesus Son of God my Father You have no boundaries. You are able to communicate with us in any situation and call us to follow You and I assure all that all who accept Your offer will never be or feel the same again Amen.
18. And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19. As he went in a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verses 18 to 20)
Oh Jesus Son of God my Father, our response to Your calling is to be immediate. Your call for our repentance is for today, the here and now, therefore it is not to be delayed in procrastination or taken lightly, for although You call, You move on to offer Your call of salvation and relationship to many others. Therefore the awaited response is from us and not from You my God and Father.
In light of the issue of responding to God's calling I wish to share the following video clip which was given to me in a spirit of prayer:-
God's calling to us
21. They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught.
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verse 21)
Oh God my Father when You call us You end up taking us to many situations and places that we have never ever dreamt of going. Moreover, even familiar situations such as home and workplace become opportunities where we can spread the message of Your Good News Amen.
22. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verse 22)
Oh Jesus, You are so original in Your ways. You do not need to refer to others for You are that same Word in truth and in spirit! I talk about God as Father, but You talk about Him as Yourself. I have heard about Him and am now in relationship, with Him but You are Him. This is amazing!
23. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, 24. and he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God."25. But Jesus rebuked him saying, "Be silent and come out of him!"
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verses 23 to 25)
Oh Jesus Son of God and God my Father the evil spirits fear and tremble in Your presence and whenever and wherever Your holy name is mentioned. You have authority over them blessed be Your name forever and ever. Therefore, let us join in one prayer of praise and worship Amen
Blessed be the name of the Lord
26. And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verse 26)
Oh God my Father, it seems that when we open our hearts and minds to evil spirits they make a dwelling place in our body, therefore when You release us from such a possession, the presence is to be literally vomited out of our system. Therefore, much prayer is needed in the name of God. I pray that you join me in this prayer so that any presence of evil spirits will be deleted from our homes and families Amen
Prayer to cast out evil spirits from our homes
27. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, "What is this? A new teaching- with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." 28. At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verses 27 to 28)
Oh God my Father this is what happens when our curiosity is stimulated instead of our faith. Fame is like a flame that dies when a new flame takes its place, however, true faith remains forever Amen. Even though we may experience the harshest of tribulations our faith will still remain as firm as ever. Amen.
29. As soon as they left the synagogue they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30. Now Simon's mother in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. 31. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verses 29 to 31)
Oh, Jesus Son of God my Father everywhere You go Your healing grace is present. I pray oh Jesus that You keep on visiting me each day! I greatly thank You for all the graces that You have given me and my family, however as in the case of Simeon's mother-in-law we are still in need of much healing. I pray that You continue healing us so that we can be of better service to You my God and Father Amen.
32. That evening at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. 33. And the whole city was gathered around the door. 34. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak because they knew him.
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verses 32 to 33)
Oh God my Father if we had to make an honest offering to You, the greatest one would not be of money, property or other riches but in sin, that we are all conditioned by in some way or another. This why You experienced such a harsh passion because our sins were and still are harsh. You offer us infinite love and mercy, we offer You the crown of thorns and the Roman Flagrum! Oh, what a contrast. However oh God although we offer You our sins, we also give You praise and worship in a spirit of thanksgiving Amen.
34. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak because they knew him.
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verse 34)
Oh God my Father You are my healer, there is no illness that You cannot heal, however. we need to cooperate with Your healing grace by believing in You in order for the healing to take place. Oh God my Father You silenced the demons so that they would not give witness of You, however, You are beckoning on us today to give witness of, You by means of how we live, even if we do not say alot because our actions reflect our faith in You Amen.
35. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. 36. And Simon and his companions hunted for him.
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verses 35 to 36)
Oh God my Father, what a better way to start the day than to do it with prayer. As much as You the Son of God and Father sought to start the day at the early beginning of the day in prayer, we also are to do likewise and start our day in prayer and if possible also end it in a spirit of prayer. As much as the apostles panicked when they did not find You my, God and Father I also experience spiritual panic when I do not start my day in prayer or reflect on You during the day. I pray that we all find time to relate with You Amen.
37. When they found him, they said to him, "Everyone is searching for you."
(Gospel according to St.Mark Chapter 1 verse 37)
Oh, Jesus Son of God my Father when You remove Your presence from my life for even a second, my life ends up in chaos and I will be weak and prone to sin. Therefore I pray that You be always by my side. I also pray that we always have that thirst and motivation to seek You instead o of the ways of the world. It is best during such moments while in a spirit of prayer to stop and reflect, whom we are really and truly seeking in our lives, if it is knowledge, a career, some other, worldly ambition, or own self-gratification or if we are seeking You.
38. He answered, "Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do". 39. And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.
(Gospel according to St.Mark Chapter 1 verses 38 to 39)
Oh God my Father, You are aware of our feelings, thoughts and wishes and our true intentions. If the people had true intentions for seeking You other than as a healer or miracle maker, I am sure that You would have turned back to those who were seeking You. Therefore pray that I also have good intentions for seeking You otherwise You will also decide to move on to others who are willing to receive, accept and live the message Amen.
40. A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, "If you choose, you can make me clean." 41. Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, " I do choose. Be made clean!"
(Gospel according to St.Mark Chapter 1 verses 40 to 41)
Oh God my Father, I thank You for having compassion on my situation and even on my sinful self who is battling in my sinful reality every second of my life. My sins are like the sickness of the leper. This is why the leper was given no name because it could be me and even you who are reflecting on this gospel. However, even though we are battered by sin, oh God my Father, You are able to heal me from my lustful physical urges, compulsions and even from my hurts. You can also heal me of my anger which at times gets the better of me and even of my asthma which leaves me breathless after a heated quarrel. You look on me with compassion and You tell me:-
" I choose to heal you!
In faith now that we have received our healing even though we may not feel or see it instantly we are to thank Jesus Son of God and God for the healing that he has given us Amen. I invite you all to click on the following link and join me in this prayer of thanksgiving to Jesus
Prayer of thanksgiving
42. Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43. After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, 44. saying to him, "See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them." 45. But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.
(Gospel according to St.Mark Chapter 1 verses 42 to 45)
Oh God my Father even though we receive Your healing we do not always give You thanks, praise and worship. At times once we have received our healing we tend to forget You and go against Your will as in the case of the person who had been suffering from leprosy. At times we may experience the leprosy of sin which if left untreated can even have negative consequences on our souls. I pray that we learn to listen, love, praise, obey and thank You, my God and Father Amen.
Oh God my Father I would like to end this chapter of the Gospel according to St.Mark with the following prayer:
Oh God my Father, blessed be Your Name forever and ever. Every day of our life, You call us to repent and follow You because You truly love us. In order to follow You we do not need any qualifications but a humble heart and spirit that is ready to welcome and believe in You. Oh God I pray that when You call us we will accept and be ready to serve You Amen. I pray that You continue to shower me with Your healing grace so that You will be able to continue using us in Your field Amen. May our Yes be a Yes and our No be a No, no buts or ifs. Amen
2. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, "See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; 3. the voice of one crying out in the wilderness; 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight."
(The Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verses 2 to 3)
Oh God my Father even before I was born You had already been making plans for my life. When I remember that my life is always in Your hands oh God my Father I feel more secure to move on in life Amen. Thank You, Jesus Son of God my Father. Amen.
4. John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
(The Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verse 4)
Oh God my Father everywhere we go during every moment of our lives we are giving messages, at times by the way we speak, by what we speak and even by how we say it. During other moments, our non-verbal behaviour meaning the way we do things with our body such as posture also reflects our attitude or state of mind. However as Christians or Roman Catholics, we have a bigger responsibility in giving out or transmitting positive messages of salvation and redemption and most of all of Your loving kindness which encourages us and gives us better reasons to live. Amen.
5. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verse 5)
Oh God my Father when we answer to Your call of repentance and confess our sins, this is indeed a great miracle, for during confession we are exposing the tricks of the evil one and showing sincere guilt for our sins. It is like saying sorry to You and seeking forgiveness. May I always feel the need both to forgive and to seek to be forgiven Amen.
6. Now John was clothed with camel's hair; with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7. He proclaimed, "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verses 6 to 8)
Oh God, my Father holy people come in all shapes and sizes, some of them are so humble that they do not attract our attention until they die and only then we become aware of how good and holy such people were! I pray oh God my Father that also may be counted among such people Amen.
9. In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verses 9 to 11)
Oh, Jesus Son of God my Father how in need of Your baptism am I. Baptize me with Your Holy Spirit every day of my life, for my soul thirsts for You. This is my prayer, the prayer of a sinner. As a computer needs to be updated, likewise my spirit needs to be updated in You, my God and Father. How I wish that You also look upon me and seek pleasure Amen. I am sorry that I do not always give You pleasure Amen.
12. And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verses 12 to 13)
Oh Jesus Son of God my Father, it seems that as soon as we become committed towards You and towards accomplishing Your Holy will we become the primary target of the evil one, who will include us in his list of enemies that he will use as a dartboard. Our testing which is controlled by You will be in progress as was Yours in the desert, a state of abandonment to nature where we are exposed to all forms of temptation Amen. I pray oh Jesus that when in such a state You will remain by my side because without You I am sure to fail the test Amen.
14. Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15. and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news."
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verses 14 to 15)
Oh, Jesus Son of God my Father, when John was arrested and later on beheaded, a great flame was extinguished. He had been the chosen among the group of chosen ones since the beginning of times to lay down the foundations of Your human descent. However, as in an act, one scene follows another and the minor characters make space for the main actors. Now it was time for You to take centre stage, for John had fulfilled the role that You had assigned for him. In the life of the Roman Catholic Church, You are always a step ahead. During the time of the papacy one pope, you are already preparing the way for one's follower by means of Your Holy Spirit Amen. Even though some worry about the decrease in vocations, when the time is near You will send us the much needed holy vocations in Your good time and not according to our timing Amen.
16. As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea-for they were fishermen. 17. And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fish for people.
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verses 16 to 17)
Oh, Jesus Son of God my Father You have no boundaries. You are able to communicate with us in any situation and call us to follow You and I assure all that all who accept Your offer will never be or feel the same again Amen.
18. And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19. As he went in a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verses 18 to 20)
Oh Jesus Son of God my Father, our response to Your calling is to be immediate. Your call for our repentance is for today, the here and now, therefore it is not to be delayed in procrastination or taken lightly, for although You call, You move on to offer Your call of salvation and relationship to many others. Therefore the awaited response is from us and not from You my God and Father.
In light of the issue of responding to God's calling I wish to share the following video clip which was given to me in a spirit of prayer:-
God's calling to us
21. They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught.
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verse 21)
Oh God my Father when You call us You end up taking us to many situations and places that we have never ever dreamt of going. Moreover, even familiar situations such as home and workplace become opportunities where we can spread the message of Your Good News Amen.
22. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verse 22)
Oh Jesus, You are so original in Your ways. You do not need to refer to others for You are that same Word in truth and in spirit! I talk about God as Father, but You talk about Him as Yourself. I have heard about Him and am now in relationship, with Him but You are Him. This is amazing!
23. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, 24. and he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God."25. But Jesus rebuked him saying, "Be silent and come out of him!"
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verses 23 to 25)
Oh Jesus Son of God and God my Father the evil spirits fear and tremble in Your presence and whenever and wherever Your holy name is mentioned. You have authority over them blessed be Your name forever and ever. Therefore, let us join in one prayer of praise and worship Amen
Blessed be the name of the Lord
26. And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verse 26)
Oh God my Father, it seems that when we open our hearts and minds to evil spirits they make a dwelling place in our body, therefore when You release us from such a possession, the presence is to be literally vomited out of our system. Therefore, much prayer is needed in the name of God. I pray that you join me in this prayer so that any presence of evil spirits will be deleted from our homes and families Amen
Prayer to cast out evil spirits from our homes
27. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, "What is this? A new teaching- with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." 28. At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verses 27 to 28)
Oh God my Father this is what happens when our curiosity is stimulated instead of our faith. Fame is like a flame that dies when a new flame takes its place, however, true faith remains forever Amen. Even though we may experience the harshest of tribulations our faith will still remain as firm as ever. Amen.
29. As soon as they left the synagogue they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30. Now Simon's mother in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. 31. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verses 29 to 31)
Oh, Jesus Son of God my Father everywhere You go Your healing grace is present. I pray oh Jesus that You keep on visiting me each day! I greatly thank You for all the graces that You have given me and my family, however as in the case of Simeon's mother-in-law we are still in need of much healing. I pray that You continue healing us so that we can be of better service to You my God and Father Amen.
32. That evening at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. 33. And the whole city was gathered around the door. 34. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak because they knew him.
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verses 32 to 33)
Oh God my Father if we had to make an honest offering to You, the greatest one would not be of money, property or other riches but in sin, that we are all conditioned by in some way or another. This why You experienced such a harsh passion because our sins were and still are harsh. You offer us infinite love and mercy, we offer You the crown of thorns and the Roman Flagrum! Oh, what a contrast. However oh God although we offer You our sins, we also give You praise and worship in a spirit of thanksgiving Amen.
34. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak because they knew him.
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verse 34)
Oh God my Father You are my healer, there is no illness that You cannot heal, however. we need to cooperate with Your healing grace by believing in You in order for the healing to take place. Oh God my Father You silenced the demons so that they would not give witness of You, however, You are beckoning on us today to give witness of, You by means of how we live, even if we do not say alot because our actions reflect our faith in You Amen.
35. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. 36. And Simon and his companions hunted for him.
(Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 1 verses 35 to 36)
Oh God my Father, what a better way to start the day than to do it with prayer. As much as You the Son of God and Father sought to start the day at the early beginning of the day in prayer, we also are to do likewise and start our day in prayer and if possible also end it in a spirit of prayer. As much as the apostles panicked when they did not find You my, God and Father I also experience spiritual panic when I do not start my day in prayer or reflect on You during the day. I pray that we all find time to relate with You Amen.
37. When they found him, they said to him, "Everyone is searching for you."
(Gospel according to St.Mark Chapter 1 verse 37)
Oh, Jesus Son of God my Father when You remove Your presence from my life for even a second, my life ends up in chaos and I will be weak and prone to sin. Therefore I pray that You be always by my side. I also pray that we always have that thirst and motivation to seek You instead o of the ways of the world. It is best during such moments while in a spirit of prayer to stop and reflect, whom we are really and truly seeking in our lives, if it is knowledge, a career, some other, worldly ambition, or own self-gratification or if we are seeking You.
38. He answered, "Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do". 39. And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.
(Gospel according to St.Mark Chapter 1 verses 38 to 39)
Oh God my Father, You are aware of our feelings, thoughts and wishes and our true intentions. If the people had true intentions for seeking You other than as a healer or miracle maker, I am sure that You would have turned back to those who were seeking You. Therefore pray that I also have good intentions for seeking You otherwise You will also decide to move on to others who are willing to receive, accept and live the message Amen.
40. A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, "If you choose, you can make me clean." 41. Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, " I do choose. Be made clean!"
(Gospel according to St.Mark Chapter 1 verses 40 to 41)
Oh God my Father, I thank You for having compassion on my situation and even on my sinful self who is battling in my sinful reality every second of my life. My sins are like the sickness of the leper. This is why the leper was given no name because it could be me and even you who are reflecting on this gospel. However, even though we are battered by sin, oh God my Father, You are able to heal me from my lustful physical urges, compulsions and even from my hurts. You can also heal me of my anger which at times gets the better of me and even of my asthma which leaves me breathless after a heated quarrel. You look on me with compassion and You tell me:-
" I choose to heal you!
In faith now that we have received our healing even though we may not feel or see it instantly we are to thank Jesus Son of God and God for the healing that he has given us Amen. I invite you all to click on the following link and join me in this prayer of thanksgiving to Jesus
Prayer of thanksgiving
42. Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43. After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, 44. saying to him, "See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them." 45. But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.
(Gospel according to St.Mark Chapter 1 verses 42 to 45)
Oh God my Father even though we receive Your healing we do not always give You thanks, praise and worship. At times once we have received our healing we tend to forget You and go against Your will as in the case of the person who had been suffering from leprosy. At times we may experience the leprosy of sin which if left untreated can even have negative consequences on our souls. I pray that we learn to listen, love, praise, obey and thank You, my God and Father Amen.
Oh God my Father I would like to end this chapter of the Gospel according to St.Mark with the following prayer:
Oh God my Father, blessed be Your Name forever and ever. Every day of our life, You call us to repent and follow You because You truly love us. In order to follow You we do not need any qualifications but a humble heart and spirit that is ready to welcome and believe in You. Oh God I pray that when You call us we will accept and be ready to serve You Amen. I pray that You continue to shower me with Your healing grace so that You will be able to continue using us in Your field Amen. May our Yes be a Yes and our No be a No, no buts or ifs. Amen
Thank You Jesus
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