PEOPLE IMMEDIATELY RECOGNIZED HIM
"Be what
you see, and receive what you are" (St. Augustine, Sermon 272). Blessed
and then broken, shared by us all so that we become Christ's presence to God's
people.
Today's first reading presents a
jubilant scene. King Solomon offers sacrifices before the Ark of the Covenant,
which priests have placed in the new temple. The Ark represents the Presence of
the Lord in His new house. The joy and enthusiasm of the people is so intense.
The presence of the Lord: How do you recognize the Lord's presence in your life
today?
In Mark's Gospel, we learn about the
people in Jesus' time. What did they recognize in Him; a prophet, a healer, the
Messiah, the Son of God? No less intense is the eagerness of the people in the
Gospel to come in contact with Jesus from Whom comes forth healing power. As
Jesus leaves the boat, the people recognize Him and begin to bring their sick
friends and loved ones to Him. They are almost frantic in their attempts to
come close to Jesus. For they truly recognize that Jesus has power from God to
heal and to make whole our bodies, minds, and hearts that are beset with
disease, affliction, and sin.
Today, we too, have an ark which
represents the presence of God. We have the reality of the presence of Jesus
Christ in the Holy Eucharist. And He is active among us in His mercy and
compassion. In the Mass, Christ, through His Sacrifice, death and Resurrection,
is the greatest sign of love for us. The Mass is an event, a happening, a
dynamic reality. For what we receive we are called to share with others!
"Be what you see, and receive what
you are" (St. Augustine, Sermon 272). Blessed and then broken, shared by
us all so that we become Christ's presence to God's people.
Do you recognize the Lord's presence in
your life?