In today’s Gospel reading, near the beginning of Mark’s Gospel, we read of many broken people gathering around Jesus for healing: “The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons” (Mark 1:34). Jesus did not limit His healing ministry to only cripples, the demon-possessed, or whatever else. He physically and spiritually healed all who sought Him. It is this truth that should give us hope and trust in approaching Our Lord to be healed of our own particular maladies and sinfulness, especially when it comes to our addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments. Jesus unrestrictedly heals all, regardless of our affliction. Each of us enters recovery seeking healing from our addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments and Jesus offers healing to us all, forgiving our sins and challenging us to do the work of recovery and “go and sin no more” (John 1:11). We are reminded today that His healing forgiveness and grace is always available to us, regardless of how many times we fall.

Reflection Questions

• Have you come to Jesus, laying all of your maladies and sinfulness at His feet and sincerely asking for His healing?
• Are you doing the work to maintain His healing by amending your life and avoiding sin?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9
Gospel: Mark 1:29-39

Reflection by Kevin S.