Today's Gospel Reflection. By: C.C.

"That evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were sick and those who were possessed by devils. The whole town came crowding round the door, and he cured many who were sick with diseases of one kind or another; he also drove out many devils, but he would not allow them to speak, because they knew who he was. In the morning, long before dawn, he got up and left the house and went off to a lonely place and prayed there. Simon and his companions set out in search of him, and when they found him they said, 'Everybody is looking for you.' He answered, 'Let us go elsewhere, to the neighbouring country towns, so that I can proclaim the message there too, because that is why I came.' And he went all through Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out devils. " (Mark 1:32-39)
As I sat in Mass tonight I reflected upon today's Gospel message and the immensity of service and sacrifice that Jesus demonstrated throughout His life. I think of the ways that we too are called to make ourselves instruments of service toward one another by gathering our strength from the Lord, and imitating the example of Jesus as much as possible. Today's Gospel speaks about the ways in which Jesus healed numerous people from ailments and demons. One can only imagine how exhausting this must have been for Jesus. However, despite this physical exhaustion it is said.."In the morning, long before dawn, he got up and left the house and went off to a lonely place and prayed there." This point truly jumped out at me. It is a reminder to all of us of our constant need for prayer, devotion, and faith in the Lord to provide us with the strength to be of service for Him. Jesus Himself understood that without God, prayer, and total faith..His works could not be fruitful, and that His strength would not be lasting. It is important for each and every one of us to retreat to a quiet place of solitude and be with God. It is through this that we will be comforted and recharged in order to do what we are required to do. Jesus had something to accomplish, He had His mission. He also recognized that without his quiet morning retreat to prayer, without his time with God.... He would not be able to set out and proclaim the message. Like Jesus we too have our own mission. Let us each remember the importance of turning to God to recharge and refocus. May we always strive to be of service to others and live as we are called to. Lord tonight I ask that You help us see the importance of relying fully on You for everything we need. Help us see that we are not alone in our works of service, but that it is You who works with and through us. Amen. (C.C.)