8 February 2025 - Only By Grace Reflections
#OnlyByGraceReflections #CFC #CouplesforChrist #ConversionoftheApostlePaul
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TOPIC: DO I KNOW THE PEACE AND JOY OF A LIFE FREELY SUBMITTED TO JESUS, THE GOOD SHEPHERD?
First Reading: Hebrews 13: 15-17, 20-21
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
Alleluia: John 10: 27
Gospel: Mark 6: 30-34
Jesus sent out the apostles to teach, preach, expel demons, and cure illnesses. Upon their return, He learned of their enthusiasm as well as their disappointments. He gathered them, listening to stories about their adventures, their excitement over miracles, and their confusion over failures to expel demons or to cure illnesses. He knew their hearts and their need to refresh themselves. He invited them to spend time with Him, the source and end of all their busy activities.
But the apostles’ rest was short-lived when crowds appealed to the compassionate heart of Jesus. He could not send them away. His very existence as Son of the Father is “for-others.” If there is hope of even one of them coming to a new life in God, He will open His arms. The apostles must have grumbled at the thought of stepping out of their comfort zone once again. But the Lord called them by His very example. Can we hear the voice of the Good Shepherd calling to us to “be for the other”? It is a gentle and tender voice. Perhaps it is almost imperceptible amid the chaos of daily life where we long for rest.
It is only in the person of the Lord Jesus that we see the unceasing vigilance and patience of God's love.
This is the 1749th installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings.
[NOTE: Let us listen to our brother Solphie Confiado, Country Coordinator for CFC Egypt, as he brings us today's reflection.
All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time
