First Reading: Job 7:1-4, 6-7
Job spoke, saying: Is not man’s life on earth a drudgery? Are not his days those of hirelings? He is a slave who longs for the shade, a hireling who waits for his wages. So I have been assigned months of misery, and troubled nights have been allotted to me. If in bed I say, “When shall I arise?” then the night drags on; I am filled with restlessness until the dawn. My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle; they come to an end without hope. Remember that my life is like the wind; I shall not see happiness again.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23
Brothers and sisters:
If I preach the gospel, this is no reason for me to boast, for an obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it! If I do so willingly, I have a recompense, but if unwillingly, then I have been entrusted with a stewardship. What then is my recompense? That, when I preach, I offer the gospel free of charge so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.
Although I am free in regard to all, I have made myself a slave to all so as to win over as many as possible. To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak. I have become all things to all, to save at least some. All this I do for the sake of the gospel, so that I too may have a share in it.
Gospel: Mark 1:29-39
On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them.
When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.
The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.
Reflection
By Grace B. Madriñan
I was first introduced to the word “transcendence” during the talk of Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas about the Filipino laity of today. He defined transcendence as “recognizing that someone is more superior than you”. The second time I heard this was during Pope Francis' homily in Manila Cathedral addressing the priests and religious. But in both instances, it all summarizes one thing -- humility is manifested in transcendence.
As I begin to reflect on my experience of transcendence, I realized that it is not at all easy. For most cases, there is a point of struggle and denial. “No, this cannot happen to me!” or “God will not allow this to happen!” All of which seemingly pre-empting the Lord’s will, as if twisting His arm to get what I want. The recent instance I felt this was during my certification exam for CBAP® (Certified Business Analysis Professional™) In the middle of taking the exam, there is this thought of not getting through… there were a lot of questions which seem vague to me. There is this vision of disappointment and having to go through the toil of doing the reviews all over again. It is then that I felt that I can only do as much but it is up to God’s hands to bring it to completion. A few moments before hitting the “submit” button, I raised my hands in surrender.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus did what He had to do. He preached and healed many from one place to another. He is sought by everyone. It would seem that He already knew what He had to do. He is in control. But as if He had enough rest, He still “went off to a deserted place, where He prayed (Mark 1:35)”. He seeks the Father and listened to His next bidding. If Jesus who is of God’s equal seeks the Father, who are we to do otherwise?
“Woe to the one who quarrels with his Maker-- An earthenware vessel among the vessels of earth! Will the clay say to the potter, 'What are you doing?' Or the thing you are making say, 'He has no hands '? " (Isaiah 45:9)
As I begin to reflect on my experience of transcendence, I realized that it is not at all easy. For most cases, there is a point of struggle and denial. “No, this cannot happen to me!” or “God will not allow this to happen!” All of which seemingly pre-empting the Lord’s will, as if twisting His arm to get what I want. The recent instance I felt this was during my certification exam for CBAP® (Certified Business Analysis Professional™) In the middle of taking the exam, there is this thought of not getting through… there were a lot of questions which seem vague to me. There is this vision of disappointment and having to go through the toil of doing the reviews all over again. It is then that I felt that I can only do as much but it is up to God’s hands to bring it to completion. A few moments before hitting the “submit” button, I raised my hands in surrender.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus did what He had to do. He preached and healed many from one place to another. He is sought by everyone. It would seem that He already knew what He had to do. He is in control. But as if He had enough rest, He still “went off to a deserted place, where He prayed (Mark 1:35)”. He seeks the Father and listened to His next bidding. If Jesus who is of God’s equal seeks the Father, who are we to do otherwise?
“Woe to the one who quarrels with his Maker-- An earthenware vessel among the vessels of earth! Will the clay say to the potter, 'What are you doing?' Or the thing you are making say, 'He has no hands '? " (Isaiah 45:9)
Prayer
Father, we surrender to Your will. Create in me a humble heart which listens and abides to Your plans. Amen.
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