As special as all the festivities of the Christmas season are, and as hard as it is to leave it all behind, I must say that I always find the beginning of the “ordinary time” of our Church year  fascinating and inspiring. 

With the culmination of John the Baptist’s work we see Jesus emerge onto the scene after so many years living that “hidden” life.  In Mark’s gospel each day this past week, as Jesus begins his public ministry, we hear of the dawn of a new era, and the Kingdom of God bursting into our world.  It’s worth considering this past week’s scripture and reflecting on the meaning it holds for our lives.

We hear Jesus proclaiming the arrival of a “time of fulfillment” as he calls the first disciples (Mark 1:14-20).  And just like it was for those first disciples, this is a time for us to once again turn back to God.  And like those first disciples this is the time for us to once again answer Jesus’ call to “come after me” – for us to once again recommit ourselves to putting Jesus first in our lives, to attune ourselves to his presence and his message, and to shed those things that prevent us from encountering him.

We hear about Jesus’ encounter with the man possessed (Mark 1:21-28), and like that man, we present ourselves to Christ to allow his spirit to work in us, to heal us, to renew us and the world around us.

We hear about Jesus’ encounter with Simon’s mother-in-law (Mark 1:29-39) and, like her, as we experience renewal, we lift ourselves up  – or maybe to state it more accurately – we allow God to lift us up – so that we can go out and serve others.

We hear about Jesus’ encounter with the man suffering from leprosy (Mark 1:40-45). Like this man we have the utmost confidence in God’s compassion and good will for us.  And we know that it is God’s love and compassion for us that instills in us faith and confidence in God – not the other way around.  And like that man, once we are touched by Christ we are compelled to proclaim God’s love and compassion to others.

We hear about Jesus’ encounter with the paralyzed man (Mark 2: 1-12).   For me, it is the paralytic’s friends that are at the center of this encounter.  We know that just like the paralytic’s friends we are called to help bring others to Christ, especially those who might benefit from our assistance in their desire and need to encounter God.  And just like the paralytic’s caring friends we know that our faith must manifest itself in compassionate acts for those around us.  As Jesus indicated during this encounter, it is our faith that brings new life not only to ourself but to others also.

We hear of Jesus dining with the Scribes and Pharisees (Mark 2:13-17).  Jesus reminds his dinner guests that he reaches out to all – most especially those who have turned away from God.  He reminds us that God’s love knows no bounds, that no one is permanently lost, that salvation is for all.  This is the foundation for our confidence and hope.

We hear Jesus speak about his “purpose” (Mark 1:38) – to heal and preach – and we know that his purpose is our purpose – that we are called to continue his mission in the world – that we are called to witness to God’s love by both our words and actions.

And finally, we hear that Jesus seeks out “deserted places” to pray (Mark 1:35), and we know that we must imitate him – that we must balance action with contemplation – that even as we are called to put our faith into loving action, we must seek prayerful communion with God each day in order to sustain ourselves and the work we do for others.

As I suggested earlier, the beginning of Jesus public ministry is an exciting time for us and can teach and guide us in so many ways.  This is a time that is very far from “ordinary”.  God bless.