Daily Reflections
(Memorial) SS Timothy and Titus • Mark 4:21-25
Jesus is the teacher par excellence. His insight, method and wisdom are sublime and perfect. C.H. Dodd, the New Testament scholar, marvelled at the teaching of Jesus:
‘The style is the man, they say. What, then, of the style of the teaching of Jesus as it has come down to us in the Gospels? A large proportion of it comes in the form of crisp utterances, pungent, often allusive, even cryptic, laden with irony and paradox. This whole body of sayings, handed down through different channels of tradition, has an unmistakable stamp. It is impossible to suppose that they are merely the product of skilful condensation by early Christian teachers. They have the ring of originality. They betray a mind whose processes were swift and direct, hitting the nail on the head without waste of words.’ (The Founder of Christianity)
In today’s Gospel we encounter the force of this unique and beautiful mind. It is important that we savour, ponder and meditate upon the depth and breadth of Jesus’ teaching. It is the Holy Spirit who creates within us a reverence and love for the words and teaching of Jesus. It is also the Holy Spirit who imparts wisdom, insight and clarity so we can understand his teaching. The challenge we face is: What does this mean to us today? How can we live out this teaching? What are its practical implications in our lives?
The notion that one would purchase a lamp and then immediately place it under a bed is ridiculous and amusing! We who have received so much grace and blessing should not be ashamed or embarrassed by our faith. A practical implication of this teaching is that we should not be ashamed of the gospel – it is the power of God. The beauty and glory of the gospel are to be proclaimed and made known. The large measure of grace we have received from God through baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist can be measured out through prayer, reading God’s Word, and acts of charity and mercy.
Heavenly Father, you gave me ears that may hear the gospel. Open my heart that I may understand more clearly, grasp more keenly and penetrate more deeply your teaching. Grant me the humility and strength to treasure and protect your anointing received through baptism, that I may be a light to the world and a city on a hilltop.
2 Timothy 1:1-8 or Titus 1:1-5 • Psalm 95(96):1-3, 7-8, 10
Mark 4:21-25
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