It is 1st February 2021.
The readings are from Hebrews 11:32-40 and the Gospel from Mark 5:1-20.
Our faith in the Lord needs to be shined by our consistent humanitarian actions. Otherwise, our faith remains antique not an antidote for our life. We need to suffer, share, and shine, our faith with others.
The author shares heroic faith of the prominent persons in the Old Testament. Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets are those mentioned in the first reading for their courageous faith. Through faith they performed acts of bravery and kindness. Faith is like a burning torch within our being and life. It needs to be used and taken care of it. The moment we neglect our sharing with others, the fire dies down gradually without our notice and eventually it enters abyss of darkness and ignorance.
The responsorial Psalm praises, “Let your heart take courage, all who hope in the Lord.” (Ps.31:25).
In the Gospel Jesus who healed the man from the army of demons encourages him to go and bear witness in his home and hometown. “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you.” (Mk.5:19).
Our faith in Jesus heals us always. Our healing is the proof of our life of witness thereafter. In the episode of healing of a man possessed with the army of demons. Jesus has compassion on all those who are invaded by evil, whether it is battalion of demon or a single powerful evil, Jesus wants to cast it from our life even if people around would ask Him to leave the place. Whatever the evil we are facing today in our life; Jesus is willing to cast them out from us. There is no way we can undermine the power of Jesus in the battle against evil. We need to be aware of our own addictions, weakness, and struggles. Only then do we surrender to Jesus. May our faith be heroic and humane. Have a lovely day.