Monday 6 February
(Memorial) St Paul Miki and companions • Mark 6:53-56
Imagine the scene: the sick, the infirm, the mentally unstable, lepers and people suffering a host of other maladies, sores and afflictions moving en masse towards Jesus. His movements were carefully monitored so they could anticipate his arrival in town, village or countryside. Once his arrival was certain (as it was in this instance – he had just landed at Gennesaret) the sick were placed strategically in the market-places, eager and content merely to brush the edge of his cloak – those who touched him were healed.
Those who have been rendered infirm or seriously ill understand the sense of hopelessness, dependence and despair it can create. The hunt for a cure, relief and release can for some be relentless. In a sense illness is a great leveller – money, rank or power cannot protect us from its indiscriminate assault or attack. It is no respecter of personage, position or property; it can rob us of dignity, worth, and even income and employment. Nothing focuses our mind, heart and attention like a serious illness: a child, a father, a mother, a friend, a work colleague – when those closest to us suffer it causes us great pain and anguish.
For some the ravages and pain of illness move them away from God. They easily conclude that God has forgotten and abandoned them. Their desperation makes them isolated and lonely, and a hard, impenetrable wall is erected to protect them from further hurt, disappointment or pain. Despair and darkness can lead to a harsh and sophisticated cynicism towards God – life, they conclude, has dealt them a bad hand. Others, however, discover loving providence in the midst of great suffering and hardship. An acute sense and humble awareness of dependence and need put arrogance and self-reliance to rest.
Those who brought their sick to Jesus understood they needed help and went to the one who could aid them. God undoubtedly works today through the wonderful work of surgeons, physicians and a whole host of treatments, but nevertheless urges us to come to Jesus for health and healing. The Church in its love and mercy offers those who are sick its anointing – this healing sacrament imparts the power of God’s grace.
‘Lord Jesus, open my heart to understand and embrace the suffering of others. Increase my faith in your healing power revealed in the sacrament of the sick.’
1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13 • Psalm 131(132):6-10
Mark 6:53-56
Daily Reflections
Subscribe to Bible Alive today, and read Daily Reflections wherever you are!
Shop Categories
Cards and Gifts New Books Spring Sale Summer Reading Walk With Me Faith Today Children's Books General Books Jewellery Bible Alive Catholic Today Exclusive Offers Christian Art and History Donations Papal Books Clearance Parish Ordering Subscriptions Religious Figures Music and DVDs L'Osservatore RomanoList All Products |
Shop Login
Product Search
Can't find a book?
Fill out our enquiry form to register interest in a particular Catholic/ Christian book.
Shopping Cart
Featured Products
 A5 Liturgical Diary 2012
Price:
£7.99
|
 Light of the World
Price:
£14.99
|
 Bible Alive - UK Subscription
Price:
£22.50
|
 Real Presence
Price:
£12.99
|
 What Good is God?
Price:
£12.99
|
 The Death of a Child
Price:
£16.99
|
Top Sellers
Holy Cross Parcels
Make a difference by making a donation and buying a Holy Cross Parcel. Click here
Twitter and Facebook
Our Tweets
Alive Design – Wedding Stationery
Faith Today Trial Subscription
Try out Faith Today for three months free of charge. Many began receiving Faith Today this way and have been with us for years.
Trial Bible Alive Subscription
Try out Bible Alive for three months free of charge. Many began receiving Bible Alive this way and have been with us for years.
Walk With Me
Walk with Me is a prayer and scripture journey for the seasons of Advent, Lent and Easter.
Catholic Today Newspaper
Catholic Today is the newspaper for the Archdiocese of Birmingham. With the latest Birmingham Catholic news and Catholic videocasts.
Christian Publications
Bible Alive - Subscription
Latest Catholic Articles
Daily Reflections
Bible Alive daily reflections are written in an accessible and warm style inviting you to penetrate and plumb the depths of the scripture reading of the day.
Latest Daily Bible ReflectionFree Catalogue
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Walk With Me Daily
Outreach Programmes
Since the beginning Alive Publishing has always had a desire to ‘reach out’ with our Catholic magazines, Catholic books, and other Christian resources.
