GOSPELS SUMMARY AND REFLECTIONS OF FEBRAURY AND MARCH 2012

Summary and Reflection of MARK 1:29-29

Summary :

Jesus left the synagogue at Capernaum, and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them. That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, "Everyone is searching for you." He answered, "Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do." And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

Reflection : I recently read a quick summary of the New Testament that said Jesus' purpose was largely to remind people of the true nature of God. Jesus did this through teaching, healing and sharing of the gospel message (the good news). This Gospel passage is filled with the healing character of Jesus. Jesus' healing seemed so often to be focused only on the physical and spiritual healing of people, and was in sharp contrast to the rifts caused among groups of people resulting from the words Jesus spoke. However, Jesus' power of healing extended beyond just humans. It was intended for all creation. In this Jubilee year of 2000, it is a timely reminder that Jesus' acts of mercy and reconciliation were in context of the larger world in which Jesus found himself. When Jesus needed rejuvenation and solace he went to deserted places where the healing power of God's creation could replenish him. Creation's healing power can work for us also. We can be fed from its riches, filled with its power, and humbled again by its invitation to come and commune. Healing has many faces. This winter season may be a time of discovering which

places feed you.

Sundays gospel, Mark 1:40-45.

Gospel Summary
A leper approached Jesus. He had a very strong faith and knew that Jesus could heal him with just a touch. Jesus was moved by the mans faith and the circumstances of his disease. Jesus touched him and healed him. Jesus was also concerned that the law be fulfilled and told the man to see a priest and cleanse himself. He also asked the man not to tell anyone how he had been cured, but the man was too full of joy to keep the news to himself. He told many people of the miracle Jesus had performed in his life.

Reflection for Families Not many things break the heart of a parent so quickly as seeing their child rejected by another person. Sometimes children are cruel and shun others or exclude them. Even more difficult are circumstances where adults or someone once trusted turn away from a child. Most of us dont witness these acts in our lives personally, but we certainly read about them in the paper or hear about them on the news. We get just a small glimpse of what it might have been like for the leper in todays gospel who was not even allowed to live with healthy people. We also better understand the courage and compassion of Jesus who touched the man and accepted him.

Sundays gospel, Mark 2:1-12.

Gospel Summary
Great faith and forgiveness are at the center of todays gospel reading. A paralyzed man had four friends of deep faith. So great was their faith in Jesus that they lowered their friend on his mat from the roof of the house where Jesus was. In ancient times, people believed that diseases and deformities were caused by either the sins of the person or his/her parents. Forgiveness of those sins would render the person healthy again. Jesus problem came when he forgave the man his sins. The Jewish leaders considered the action blasphemous because only God could forgive sins. They didnt recognize Jesus authority as the Son of God.

Reflection for Families

Todays gospel helps children of all ages recognize the value of true, faithful and believing friends. Even when we consider our own friends and the people with whom we spend our time, we thank God for the people who share our values and faith. We know its true that people who share faith with us understand the struggles of raising children today and can be there to support us.

Sundays gospel, Mark 1:12-15.

Gospel Summary
Jesus trusted in Gods promises. According to Marks gospel, immediately after his baptism, Jesus was driven into the wilderness where he lived with the wild beasts for 40 days and was tempted by Satan. Through those desolate days, Jesus was faithful to God. And at the end of the 40 days, the angels came to minister to Jesus.

Reflection for Families

If you have ever sat with a sick child, you know the relief that comes when a fever breaks or the pox scab and the corner of the childs mouth turns up into a long awaited smile. This must have been something of what Jesus felt at the end of his stay in the desert and it is what we feel when have been faithful to our Lenten efforts.

Sundays gospel, John 2:13-25.

Gospel Summary
It is not clear to scholars exactly what precipitated Jesus reaction at the Temple. In what would appear to be a fit of anger, Jesus used a whip to drive out the animals, and overturned tables sending people, animals, and coins scurrying in all directions. The people took Jesus words literally and because of their immature faith, they were looking for signs. That is why in this gospel where Jesus says he will destroy the Temple but raise it back up in three days, people were dumbfounded. The Temple had been under construction for over forty years and was still not complete. It is no wonder when they heard that Jesus would raise it up in three days, that they could not comprehend his meaning. They lacked the faith to understand that Jesus referred to the raising of his own body in three daysa temple they did not recognize.

Reflection for Families

How many times have we seen our children use objects for purposes other than what they were intended? On garbage day a skateboard might become wheels for a trash can, or a baseball bat might be used as a wood splitter, and a fishing pole used to retrieve a ball from the gutters. It stifles creativity to insist that items be used for the purpose they were intended, but it does ensure that they will last to do the job they were made for. In a sense, this is what Jesus meant for the people to do in todays gospel. The Temple was Gods house and thats the purpose for which it was to be used. It was not a marketplace or a bank. To see it used as such, brought out the passionate devotion Jesus had for his Fathers house. And with all he had, Jesus wanted to protect it.

Sundays gospel, Mark 9:2-10.

Gospel Summary
The closest we can come to understanding the resurrection, is through the transfiguration of Jesus described in todays gospel. Only after the resurrection could the three disciples understand what they saw that day on the mountaintop. Peter, James, and John, often described as the inner circle of disciples, went with Jesus to a mountain. Mountains were often the places of divine revelations and the same voice that spoke at Jesus baptism, also spoke at the transfiguration instructing the three to listen to Jesus, Gods Son. The disciples were confused because as yet they did not understand the resurrection. Instead they focused on the earthly glory of Jesus and were not prepared for the suffering he predicted.

Reflection For Families

The glory of God was revealed in the transfiguration of Jesus. Even though we werent on the mountaintop to see this wonder, parents are in a good position to understand something about Gods glory. Since their conception, our children show us the truth about the wonder of God. Theres so much we dont understand about their formation and creation, but we are willing to accept the development of their lives on faith. It is our faith in God that helps us recognize the creation and growth of these precious miracles.