Readings: Hebrews 6:10-20, Ps. 111:1-2,4-5,9,10, Mark 2:23-28
“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf.” (Hebrews 6:19-20)
- I guess you have heard the story of the four candles. Four candles slowly burned. The ambience was so soft that one could almost hear them talking. The first candle said: “I am Peace. The world is so full of anger and fighting. Nobody can keep me lit.” Then, the flame of peace went out completely. The second candle said: “I am Faith. I am no longer indispensable. It doesn’t make sense that I stay lit another moment.” Just then, a breeze softly blew Faith’s flame.
- Sadly, the third candle began to speak: “I am love. People don’t understand my importance, so they put me aside. They even forget to love those who are nearest to them.” And waiting no longer, Love’s flame went out. Suddenly, a child entered the room and saw the three unlit candles. “Why aren’t you burning? You are supposed to stay lit till the end.” Saying this, the child began to cry. Then the fourth candle answered: “Don’t be afraid. I am Hope. While I am still burning, we can re-light the other candles.”
- Today’s first reading reminds us of Abraham, to whom God promised a son but did not redeem this promise until after twenty-five years. What kept Abraham going for that long? Hope. Hope is the ability to tell yourself that you can’t have it all today, but tomorrow will be better. Whatever you are going through right now is known to God, and he has a reason for letting it happen.
- In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus and his disciples had nothing to eat on a Sabbath day. They were so hungry that they plucked and ate grains directly from the field. Jesus, who fed the five thousand, did not have food. You will not always have it all smooth and easy. However, keep hope alive. Don’t get discouraged when things are not so good for you.
- The Pharisees strongly criticised Jesus for breaking the Sabbath law. These Pharisees were always with Jesus. Instead of discovering what made Jesus and his disciples hungry to eat grains from the farm, they were only concerned about the “breaking of the law.” Do not be discouraged by your critics. Hope in God, not in human applause. No matter what you do, people have a right to their opinions.
- Some will never appreciate you for your sacrifices but are the first to point out your errors. Jesus was shocked that these Pharisees could be so cold. Would they have preferred that Jesus and his disciples drop dead due to hunger? Jesus said: “God did not give us laws to punish us. His laws are for our good. The Sabbath was made for man and not vice versa.”
Today, we remember St. Agnes of Rome. Born in 291 AD into a prosperous family, St Agnes was a passionate Christian admired for her beauty and steadfast faith. Determined to stay pure for Jesus Christ, whom she regarded as her only spouse, she turned down many suitors. Agnes boldly refused to marry Procop, the governor’s son, or to abandon her faith, even when offered wealth and faced with threats. Efforts to compromise her purity were miraculously prevented, and she remained resolute.
- At just 12 or 13 years old, she was martyred on January 21, 304. St. Agnes is the patron saint of young girls, chastity, survivors of rape, and the Children of Mary. Agnes is often depicted with a lamb and a palm branch, symbols of her innocence and martyrdom. What made St. Agnes so resolute? She firmly hoped and believed a better life awaited her in heaven. Let nothing discourage you. Aim for sainthood.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, you know what it feels like to be hungry. Deepen our hope when we become discouraged. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Agnes, Virgin, Martyr, Liturgical Colour: Red. Bible Study: Hebrews 6:10-20, Ps. 111:1-2,4-5,9,10, Mark 2:23-28).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu