Monday Weekday Ordinary Time

James 1:22: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

  PRAYER FOR THE DAY ...

Heavenly Father, help us put into practice what we know is your will and your truth today. In the name of the Infant Jesus we pray. Amen.

  Today's Readings ... (January 30, 2012)

Monday, Weekday in Ordinary Time
First Reading: 2 Samuel 15:13-14,30;16:5-13
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 3:2-3,4-5,6-7
Gospel: Mark 5:1-20
Lectionary: 323
Colour: Green

  Meditation on Today's Gospel: (Mark 5:1-20)

Jesus took compassion on the man who was overtaken by a mass of evil spirits. Do we ever feel driven by forces beyond our strength? A man driven mad by the evil force of a crowd found protection in the one person who could set him free. The destructive force of these demons is marked for all who can see as they flee and obliterate a herd of swine. After Jesus untied the demoniac the whole city came out to meet him. No one had demonstrated such power and ability against the forces of Satan as Jesus did. They feared Jesus as a result and requested him to leave them. Why would they not wish for Jesus to stay? Perhaps the price for such release from the power of evil and sin was more than they required paying. Jesus is ready and willing to free us from everything that binds us and that keeps us from the love of God. Are we willing to part with anything that strength keeps us from his love and saving grace?

Yesterday:	Fourth Sunday Ordinary Time
Tomorrow:	Memorial of Saint John Bosco, Priest