Today’s Gospel speaks clearly about Jesus’ mission: “…they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door.” I often wonder if Jesus was ever overwhelmed at times like this. It would seem that he would be. The Gospel continues: “Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.”
This is what gave him the strength and energy to continue on with the mission that had been given to him by the Father. We can learn something from this. We cannot fulfill our daily “mission”, our daily work and responsibilities without being refreshed and renewed. Each of us has to figure out how we can do this, but to take time to allow God to be our “higher power” is a necessity.
Lent is coming, but don’t wait until then.
Next Sunday, February 11 at 3 PM, Kevin Tuerff will give a presentation on his experience of being stranded in Newfoundland for five days with 6,500 other airline passengers. It all began on the evening of 9/11 when 38 trans-Atlantic flights were forced to land in this little town of 10,000 people because of the attacks on America. What ended up happening was remarkable. Come and hear this inspiring story. His inspiring book, Channel of Peace, will be available for purchase. The presentation is free and open to the public.
Click HERE to RSVP to the event Channel of Peace
Remember: Ash Wednesday is Wednesday, February 14 (Valentine’s Day).
-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.