5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Feb. 5, 2012
Fr. Joseph Eddy, O. de M.
Gospel: Mark 1:29-39 Healing of Simon”s mother-in-law
Full sermon text: As a priest, one of the most blessed and challenging tasks is to be on “hospital duty.” It is certainly one of the most rewarding things to do, because we get a chance to be with people in their weakest hour. Often this is when they really reflect on their lives and mistakes. The priest has the opportunity to help them to turn with confidence to God, who is loving and forgiving. What a blessing!!
From the hills of “Andy Griffith” to ordination in Sardinia: the story of Deacon ScottIt might seem a wayward path, but Scott Brentwood”s journey began in the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Parkway near the town about which “Mayberry RFD” was written, and ended at the altar with Scott receiving ordination in the historic city of Cagliari amidst the balmy breezes of the Mediterranean.
See the video which went viral in its first day: “The Humble Roots of the Ordination of Deacon Scott Brentwood.”
Is God calling you to become a Mercedarian friar? Visit Fr. Joseph Eddy’s page.
Yet, the times at the hospital can be physically, emotionally, and spiritually draining. So much suffering and so many difficulties are faced by those trying to minister to the sick. Two hours spent visiting patients and distributing the Sacraments can feel like five hours. I certainly have much more respect for chaplains and medical personal who must work in this environment five days a week. They must have to pace themselves or find healthy outlets to cope with the physical, emotional, and spiritual strain.
Jesus’ “long days”
Jesus has a similar type of experience in the Gospel today. He has one of those really “long days”! First, he must visit Simeon’s mother-in-law who is gravely ill. Jesus heals her almost instantaneously just by “grasping her hand.” The day continues as a crowd of ill or possessed people surround him. Jesus cures them and does exorcisms late into the evening. In his Human Nature, Jesus is exhausted physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It would appear from the Scriptures that he gets some sleep, but then rises “very early before dawn.” Our Lord goes “off to a deserted place” to pray and be alone. We can imagine that after the loud crowd who were begging for his attention, Jesus just needed some peace and quiet. But, unfortunately it does not last long as the disciples come after him to tell him that “everyone is looking for… (him).” It is time to go back to work to the “nearby villages.”
Doesn’t the pace of Jesus day remind us of our modern life? Many times both parents work 50 to 60 hours a week. The evenings and weekends are spent rushing from one task to another. Taking children of sports and fulfilling obligations. It can be overwhelming physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Obviously, not everyone is working with those seriously ill or troubled, but the pace of our modern life can become difficult to bear. Life for many of us is long hours and some sleepless nights. Why else would we have so many commercials for 5-Hour Energy and sleeping pills?
Prudence in our lifestyle
We strive to be “all things to all people,” but we must also provide for our own health and well-being. As my mother use to say, “all things in moderation.” There is a lot of truth to this saying which was passed down through our family. We need to learn to grow in the virtue of prudence in order to put our lives in a proper balance. This virtue (or good habit) enables us to discern in all things what is true and good. We can learn to choose the right way to achieve a balance. It will take us some time and effort to develop the habit of prudence, but it is worth it. We can learn to balance our physical, psychological, and spiritual health. If one of these areas is not cared for, then we will feel it in our daily life.
Job says today in the first reading, “Is not man’s life on earth drudgery?” The answer is yes at times it can be. We know as Catholic Christians that we are on a pilgrimage to our eternal home in heaven. Life on this earth is not our goal, but just a journey. So, just like our savior we experience suffering, exhaustion, and times of being overburdened with life’s troubles. Ultimately, all suffering and evil is the result of sin in the world. Through Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection our suffering finds meaning. We unite our sufferings with Jesus for the salvation of the world. God’s grace is given to us through the Sacraments, and helps us to walk this journey of life with peace.
All time is His
Magazines, TV, and internet encourage us to get exercise or psychological help. But what about the spiritual aspect of each person? It is very possible that at times people experience physical symptoms or psychological problems when in fact they really have a spiritual problem. As those created in the Image of God, we must stay close to our source through prayer and reflection. Otherwise, the drudgery of life can become unbearable. Like Jesus, we must take time to go off to a “deserted place” to pray. There we allow the Holy Spirit to heal and God to speak to our hearts in the silence. As we continue to make time for prayer it becomes part of our life, “a habit.” We find it easier to order our day and take care of ourselves and others properly. For God created us to rest in him. All time is his. All our work, leisure, and time that is returned to him finds new meaning. In this way, our lives are transformed in Christ.