Tag: healing

“He has done all things well.” | Friday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 7:31-37)

And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly. He ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it. They were exceedingly astonished and they said, “He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

People begin to recognize Jesus wherever he goes. Knowing he is capable of healing, people in the district of Decapolis bring him a deaf man who has a speech impediment. Mark tells us that Jesus takes the man with him away from the crowd. Jesus puts his finger into the man’s ears, spits, touches his tongue, looks up to heaven, and says, “Ephphatha,” which means “Be opened.” Immediately, the man’s ears are opened, and he is able to hear and speak clearly. Although Jesus instructs the people to keep quiet about this miracle, their amazement can’t be contained, and they proclaim his power and goodness to anyone who would hear.

God, you sent Jesus to heal the deaf and mute man, just as you sent him to heal all people. Help me be honest in examining my own life, what to bring to you that most needs healing. Jesus, the Divine Physician, knows better than I do what those things are. But in bringing them to him, I open myself to receiving his mercy, recognizing whose eyes are on me as I am healed. Lord, you want me to be free to love you, to be unencumbered so that I can hear and proclaim your word. For this, I need your grace and merciful gaze upon me. Stay with me, Lord!

From the Gospel acclamation: “Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son.”

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.

“For saying this, you may go.” | Thursday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 7:24-30)

She replied and said to [Jesus], “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.” Then he said to her, “For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter.” When the woman went home, she found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.

Even as Jesus attempts to escape notice, he encounters a Syrophoenician woman who asks him to heal her daughter, who has an unclean spirit. Jesus at first responds to her in a way that reflects Jewish perspective in Jesus’ time toward Gentiles: “Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” Willing to receive whatever Jesus could offer her, the woman’s response demonstrates her great humility, faith, and trust in him. As Jesus says these words, the woman’s daughter is immediately healed: “For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter.” The woman who asks for scraps from the table finds so much more—the grace and mercy of the Divine Physician.

God, the woman who came to Jesus clearly knew what she wanted. But in her humility, she was willing to settle for scraps—a crumb of mercy to fall from the table. I often begin my day not knowing what to ask of you and find it hard to bring to the surface what I really need. You know better what I need than I do. Seeing how Jesus responded to the woman for the sake of her daughter, maybe the question is, What do you want to give me today? Give me the grace today to put aside what I think I need and recognize the gifts you place in plain sight before me. Give us this day our daily bread.

From the Gospel acclamation: “Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls.”

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.

“From within . . . come evil thoughts.” | Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 7:14-23)

Jesus said to the disciples: “But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him. From within the man, from his heart, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.”

Jesus tells the crowd and later explains to the disciples: “Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.” The list of evils that plagued people of his time are no less a threat to souls today, and external practices fail to remedy the cause. From within, from the heart, sin defiles; from within, Jesus heals. He recognizes the root cause and invites us to repentance, reconciling us to the Father. By naming evils, he calls us near for the salvation of souls, to preserve us for eternal life through the power of his grace.

God, help me reflect on my inclination toward sin and my need for redemption. Time after time, Jesus associated himself with sinners, inviting them to repent and follow him. The list of evils Jesus names could go on and on. As much an identification of human illnesses, listing sin by name demonstrates the endless permutations of sin that Christ can heal as the Divine Physician. Help me recognize that there is no sin that Christ is not aware of, that there is no sin that he cannot eradicate through his passion, death, and resurrection. God, help me turn to you with a contrite heart in the hope of eternal life; help me trust in your mercy.

From the responsorial psalm: “Commit to the LORD your way; trust in him, and he will act. He will make justice dawn for you like the light; bright as the noonday shall be your vindication. The mouth of the just murmurs wisdom.”

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.

“As many as touched it were healed.” | Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr

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.

“For this purpose have I come.”| Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Free Catholic Prayer Guide

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 1:29-39)

Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

Early in his public ministry in Capernaum, Jesus responds to the needs of the people he encounters, healing many who were sick or possessed by demons. After healing Simon’s mother-in-law, in his compassion Jesus “healed many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons.” Next, Mark describes the priorities of Jesus in his daily routine, rising early before dawn to find solitude and spend time with the Father in prayer. Simon and others pursue Jesus, seeming to call him away from prayer. Yet, Jesus reveals to Simon the fruit of prayer—perfect fulfillment of the will of the Father. “For this purpose have I come.”

God, grant me the means to take in today’s readings and lay them out as a path for the week ahead. “So I have been assigned months of misery, and troubled nights have been allotted to me. . . . My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle; they come to an end without hope.” Job’s words from the first reading describe the suffering and loss he experienced in life. They also suggest the hopelessness of the many people who came to Jesus to be healed by his touch but also by every word of hope that he spoke. In my moments of discouragement and numbering days and months ahead, help me remember who you are, the one who calls me by name and numbers the stars. You, Lord, are truth itself and hope realized.

From the responsorial psalm: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He tells the number of the stars; he calls each by name. Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted.”

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.

“His heart was moved with pity.” | Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Free Catholic Prayer Guide

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 6:30-34)

When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

Mark describes the compassion of Jesus when he sees the large crowd that comes to him from surrounding towns. Before all of this takes place, the Twelve gather together with Jesus and tell him all that they have done and taught after he sent them out. Desiring their well-being, Jesus says to them: “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” As it turns out, people still come to them, and they find no respite. So they go off by boat to a deserted place, but the people are aware of this and arrive by foot before Jesus and the apostles. There among the vast crowd, Jesus meets their needs with pity and shepherds the shepherdless with his teachings.

God, as Solomon asked of you, I ask for an understanding heart today to distinguish right from wrong. That is a gift I know you readily give to those who ask for it in sincerity. Give me grace to see where the greater need is—what is just—even if I feel that you call me to rest and reflect quietly on your goodness. The gift of understanding came to Jesus in the form of tears as he looked among the vast crowd who came to him. Allow me the opportunity today to put selflessness into practice in caring for others, and the wisdom to recognize how to discern with compassion what the greatest need is.

From the responsorial psalm: “With all my heart I seek you; let me not stray from your commands. Lord, teach me your statutes.” Stay with me, Lord, day and night.

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.

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Free Catholic Prayer Guide

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 2:22-40)

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted—and you yourself a sword will pierce—so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Luke describes the events surrounding the presentation of Jesus in the temple and the encounter of Joseph and Mary with Simeon and Anna. Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple, demonstrating their faithfulness to the Jewish customs and laws. Simeon recognizes immediately that Jesus is the Messiah. He prophesies great suffering for Jesus and Mary because of his mission. In her son’s crucifixion, Mary will participate in his suffering for a purpose Simeon makes clear: “so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Anna also encounters Jesus in the temple and praises God, spreading the news about him to all who are awaiting the redemption of Israel.

God, you know the hearts of your people. Through Jesus Christ your Son, the thoughts of many hearts are revealed. Help reveal in my heart today how you present yourself to me and how I present myself to you. What will I see in you with eyes of faith, and will I see the opportunity to participate in Christ’s suffering? Give me the grace to see in the Presentation the salvation you bring to people of all nations and the particular salvation you bring to me in my own brokenness. At the end of the day, I hope to be like Simeon, who knew the peace of holding the infant Jesus in his arms: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples.”

From the responsorial psalm: “Who is this king of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!”

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.

“No food . . . no money in their belts.” | Thursday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Free Catholic Prayer Guide

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 6:7-13)

So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Mark tells us in these two short sentences what the Twelve do in response to Jesus’ instructions. He tells them to take nothing with them—”no food, no sack, no money in their belts.” In simple terms, he tells them that whatever house they enter, to remain in peace there until they leave; if they are unwelcome or encounter those who fail to listen, they are to leave and shake the dust from their feet “in testimony against them.” In giving the Twelve authority over unclean spirits, Jesus consecrates them in both words and actions, in preaching repentance and in healing the sick. Mark notes that they drove out many demons and cured many who were sick. Despite their lack of resources for the mission, the Twelve hear and respond powerfully to the call of Jesus.

God, thank you for the mission of the Twelve, those who first received the authority Jesus gave them to preach and expel demons. The divine power Jesus gave them relied on no material dependence or advantage. Help me today be grateful for the early Church and her transmission of the Gospel throughout the ages to the present day. Give me the grace, Lord, to let go of the attachments that I have come to depend on, that keep me from hearing and responding to your call. In your name, I ask for this.

From the responsorial psalm: “‘In your hand are power and might; it is yours to give grandeur and strength to all.'” Lord, you are exalted over all.”

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.

Memorial of Saint John Bosco, Priest

Free Catholic Prayer Guide

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (MK 6:1-6)

Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

Coming to his native place with his disciples, Jesus is recognized by people he would have known since he was born. They know him as the carpenter, the son of Mary. Yet, as they hear him teach in the synagogue, they are astonished and begin to question from what source his wisdom comes. They are, Mark tells us, offended by this. Knowing the hardness of their hearts, Jesus responds to their lack of faith in words and in action, amazed and unable to perform mighty deeds among them. The words of Jesus from yesterday’s Gospel on the necessity of faith—”Daughter, your faith has saved you.”—stand in striking contrast to that of his own townspeople and relatives. Throughout his ministry, Jesus goes on to demonstrate in teaching and healing the divine source of his wisdom.

God, help me be persistent in dispelling my disbelief and increasing my faith. Unchanging, you see my belief waver day by day; ever merciful, you see me look to you when I return with renewed faith. Help my unbelief, Lord. From Saint Padre Pio’s “Prayer After Communion,” I ask for the grace to remember these words throughout the day: “Stay with me, Lord, if You wish me to be faithful to You.”

From the responsorial psalm: “Then I acknowledged my sin to you, my guilt I covered not. I said, “I confess my faults to the LORD,” and you took away the guilt of my sin. Lord, forgive the wrong I have done.” Saint John Bosco, 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.

“He is out of his mind.” | Saturday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 3:20-21)

Jesus came with his disciples into the house. Again the crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat. When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”

In today’s short Gospel, Mark depicts the relentlessness of the crowds who came to Jesus for his word and for his healing. The ones who know and love him, who watched him grow and mature, plan to take control of the situation. They believe he has gone mad and fear for his well-being, reject his ministry, and hope to extract him from the people and restore his sanity. David’s reaction to Saul’s and Jonathan’s death, which we hear in the first reading, sheds light on Jesus’ response to the crowds surrounding him. “I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother! Most dear have you been to me; more precious have I held love for you than love for women.” This grief over Jonathan, Saul’s son, foreshadows and expresses Jesus’ extravagant love for his people, despite his ultimate suffering and death for their sake. Jesus, God made man, pities the people he was sent to save and rejects no one who comes to him. He feeds them with the bread of compassion and saves them as they look upon his face.

“Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.” God, help me dwell on these words today from the responsorial psalm. Let them remind me to seek you out during the day, to crowd around the doorway of your house, eager to see you and know your unconditional love. In turn, give me the grace to open the door for others who desire to see where you dwell and look upon your face. Deliver me from evil, Lord; let me receive your mercy and be merciful to others.

From the Gospel acclamation: “Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son.”

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.