One Minute Reflection – 9 January – Gospel Mark 1:21-28 – Pope Benedict on the “Messianic Secret”
” I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him…Mark 1: 24-26
REFLECTION – “For the moment, Jesus does not want anyone outside the restricted group of His disciples to know that He is the Christ, the Son of God. This is why He often admonishes the apostles and the sick people whom He heals to not reveal His identity to anyone. Not only does Jesus chase demons out of people, freeing them from the worst slavery but He prohibits the demons themselves from revealing His identity. Christ insists on this secret because the fulfilment of His mission is at stake, on which our salvation depends.”…Pope Benedict XVI (Angelus 1 Feb 2009)
PRAYER – O Lord, You who came to save us, teach us all to live and breathe our love for You and Your teachings. Help us all to realise and give thanks for Your love for us. our life of pain and sorrow, lived to save us, is our only guide. Through Mary, Your holy and loving Mother and our Mother, grant us courage and gratitude, amen.
