A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (MK 6:53-56)
Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.
Jesus and his disciples cross to the other side of the sea and come Gennesaret. As they leave the boat, people immediately recognize him. They send out word around the surrounding country that he is present and begin to bring the sick to him wherever he goes. Whether in remote areas or in the marketplaces of towns, Jesus heals whoever he encounters merely by their touching the tassel of his cloak. How similar this is to the Eucharist, divided among many, in which we extend our hands to touch the Body of Christ and enter into profound union with him.
God, just as Solomon desired to have you present in a dwelling where you could abide forever, help me have the same fervor to make of myself a place for you to dwell. Give me the grace to receive Jesus in the Eucharist with an understanding of who it is I receive and what it means to be united to him in his sacrifice on the cross. And united in the Paschal Mystery, sanctify and strengthen me. Lord, as the people in Jesus’ time immediately recognized him, let me recognize your presence in the greatest needs of others.
From the Gospel acclamation: “Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom
and cured every disease among the people.” Saint Agatha, pray for us!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.