Daily Gospel Reflection

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February 4, 2024

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mk 1:29-39
Listen to the Audio Version

On leaving the synagogue
Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.
Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.
They immediately told him about her.
He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.
Then the fever left her and she waited on them.

When it was evening, after sunset,
they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.
The whole town was gathered at the door.
He cured many who were sick with various diseases,
and he drove out many demons,
not permitting them to speak because they knew him.

Rising very early before dawn, he left
and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.
Simon and those who were with him pursued him
and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.”
He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages
that I may preach there also.
For this purpose have I come.”
So he went into their synagogues,
preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

Reflection

Tish Wilsey '10, M.A.
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“For this purpose have I come.” Christ’s purpose was so clearly defined and evident in his actions. His divine purpose was to guide, to heal, to spread God’s love, and to drive evil away from us. Humanity desperately needed him then just as much as we need him today.

As an educator, a parent, and a community member, defining my purpose here on Earth can be overwhelming to articulate to the world around me. How am I making a discernable impact on this world? How can the thousand disparate, small acts of service I make every day, make a difference? How could I possibly realize my purpose like our Savior did thousands of years ago?

One answer that is clear from today’s gospel and is accessible to each and every one of us is prayer. I can only imagine that it was Christ’s daily prayer that enabled him to keep on the path set before him. Were his prayers to his father like ours, asking for direction and strength to follow God’s purpose? Jesus had to discern God’s purpose for him to guide him in his ministry.

Just like Jesus, we have our own purpose that must be defined. With spiritual direction, prayer, and faith, we are clearing our minds and hearts to receive a way forward set by God. Some of us may see the impact and difference we make in the lives of others immediately. While others continue to reveal their purpose throughout their lives. In either case, I wonder if understanding the definition of our purpose is not as important as simply taking the next right step to obey the will of God today.

With grateful hearts, may we pray for direction and strength to follow God’s will for our lives—with or without perfect understanding.

Prayer

Rev. Herbert Yost, C.S.C.

Lord, in healing Simon’s mother-in-law you restored his family. We need you to restore health to us and to our family and friends. Please guide us to do all we can to bring healing and comfort to our minds and bodies and to those we love. Remove our anxiety and give us that peace and hope that surpasses human understanding. Amen.

Saint of the Day

St. Andrew Corsini

St. Andrew Corsini’s mother had a dream when he was born. She saw herself give birth to a wolf, which then ran into a church and was changed into a lamb.

Andrew lived his early life as a wolf of sorts—he lived in 14th century Italy and spent his time with troublesome friends pursuing vice and extravagance. His mother never stopped praying for him, however, and told him that he had been dedicated to the service of God through the intercession of Mary.

The rebukes from his parents shamed him, and gave him a desire to live up to their expectations. He went to pray in a Carmelite monastery, and was so moved by grace that he decided to enter that order. His friends tried to convince him to leave and rejoin them, but he stayed.

Andrew was ordained a priest in 1328, and after traveling and preaching, as well as furthering his education, he was chosen to lead the monastery he had joined. He was known as a holy man who could foresee the future and heal the sick. He healed people who were suffering from moral sickness as well—one of his cousins was a hardened gambler who converted his ways thanks to Andrew.

In 1349, Andrew was elected bishop, but he did not want to accept, so he hid himself in a distant cloistered monastery. A child discovered him, and he was forced to accept the role. As bishop, he doubled his disciplines, sleeping on the floor and carefully guarding who he listened to. He took care of the poor in a special way—he washed the feet of poor people every Thursday, for example, and never turned away anyone seeking money or food.

Andrew was also known to be able to effectively resolve conflict, so the pope sent him to a nearby region where the nobility were quarrelling with the people and he was able to make peace.

St. Andrew died at the age of 71, and so many miracles happened around his death that he was immediately declared a saint by popular demand. The pope formally canonized him in 1629, an event that is depicted here in an illustration from the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art on campus. St. Andrew’s relics rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica.

St. Andrew Corsini, your humility overcame a rebellious childhood, and you tried to avoid your election as bishop by hiding—pray for us!


Image Credit: Agostino Ciampelli (Italian, 1565-1630), Canonization of St. Andrea Corsini (detail), ca. 1629, ink and wash on paper. Raclin Murphy Museum of Art: Gift of Miss Agnes Mongan, 1980.070.