THE MESSIAH HAS ARRIVED

1^st READING - 1 Kings 11:29-32; 12:19

P S A L M - Psalm 81:10-11, 12-13, 14-15

R: I am the Lord, your God: hear my voice.

GOSPEL - GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son.

Mark 7:31-37

SABBATH

The Jews were waiting for the Messiah. There were many expectations, including miracles that He would work. There were also political and social expectations, some of which Jesus fulfilled, others He did not. For example, He did not deliver the Jews from their political captivity. The miracle we read about in today’s Gospel is part of a whole series of acts and miracles that are associated with the coming of the Messiah in the Prophet Isaiah. The miracles that Jesus performed indicate that He is not just the Messiah but that, as the Messiah, He has authority over sickness, demonic activities and even the forces of nature. If we take these signs to their logical conclusion, we will see that the miracles point to the divinity of Jesus. Many people had performed miracles before Jesus, but none with the same absolute and universal authority. No one before had claimed the power to forgive sins either. When we connect all these aspects of Jesus’ ministry together, we begin to form a fairly comprehensive picture as to the way Jesus portrays Himself as the Incarnate Word of God. The miracles also serve as signs that draw people to Jesus. It is easy to see how this would happen when we consider the spectacular nature of miracles and how people talk about it. It is critical that we do not downplay them or take them for granted. God still wants to work miracles today to draw more people to Himself in a world that seeks to open to the spiritual realm. People today cry out for spiritual nourishment but do not seem to know where to look for it. Miracles would be a very good indication that the Christian faith is a good place to look for nourishment in the spiritual life. Let us pray that God will work miracles through us for the sake of the world and not for our own glory. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL   REFLECTION QUESTION: Do you expect miracles to happen in your life?   Lord Jesus, help me to expect miracles in my life simply because You want to use my life to draw others to Christ. Help me to bear witness to the miracle of the forgiveness of my sins to everyone I meet.   Do you want to receive this in your email?  To get Bo Sanchez to send it to you personally, log-on to http://kerygmafamily.com. Lots of surprises await.