In some translations, the text of Mark 1:38 reads "For this purpose have I come" (see Mk 1:38, RNAB). The Greek text for the word translated "come" has the meaning "come out." After a powerful day of miracles and preaching, Jesus rose early the next morning to go to a "lonely place in the desert" to pray in communion with His heavenly Father (Mk 1:35). It is from this place of deep communion with the Father that Jesus comes out to minister with power and authority.
Likewise, we disciples of Christ, who imitate Jesus in His character and ministry, must fuel our mission with a deep prayer life (see 1 Thes 5:17). Communion with the Lord is our daily fuel, most especially in the Mass with the food of the Eucharist and the Word of God. We sit at the Lord's feet and listen for His voice, as did Mary of Bethany (Lk 10:39, 42). Then we "come out" of this encounter with the Lord refreshed and renewed for His service.
Are you weary or discouraged? Are you out of ideas and out of energy? Each day, go to the Lord, whether early in the morning (Mk 1:35) or late at night (1 Sm 3:3ff). Then you will be able to come out from the Father with His grace and power.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I live for my daily prayer time with You. Then may others live from the grace that flows from our mutual time together. "Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening" (1 Sm 3:9). |
| PROMISE: | "Happy the man who makes the Lord his trust." –Ps 40:5 |
| PRAISE: | St. Marguerite used her administrative skills to build God's kingdom in her area of Canada. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College