Sunset at Capernaum
By Abraham (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons
Jesus, the Compassion of God, understands our human suffering. Let go of the struggle; bring the illness, the exhaustion, the depletion to him. He is the one who makes sense out of nonsense.
When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to [Jesus] all who were ill or possessed by demons. Mark 1:32
Reach out on the World Day of the Sick, February 11. Join people around the world who will stop at 1:00 p.m. to offer a prayer for all those who suffer from illness, and their caregivers.
Resources:
Pope Francesco’s message for the 23rd World Day of the Sick
Prayer cards in English and Spanish
Christ heals the possessed. Jan Luyken. In the Bowyer Bible in Bolton Museum, England. Print 4234. From “An Illustrated Commentary on the Gospel of Mark” by Phillip Medhurst. Section D. Jesus confronts uncleanness. By Phillip Vere [FAL], via Wikimedia Commons
Demons of pain, fatigue, and self-doubt. Demons of resentment, disdain, and indifference. Demons of envy, dissatisfaction, and hopelessness.
Say no, in the name of Jesus. Demons have no power in the light and presence of the Compassion of God.
Jesus rebuked [the unclean spirit] and said,
“Quiet! Come out of him!” Mark 1:25
February 8th, the feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita, is the National Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Human Trafficking. Pray for the survivors of human trafficking, their emotional, physical, and spiritual healing. Make a personal commitment to combat this modern-day slavery.
Yes, it’s finally looking like January.
And Saturday’s artwork:
![Fisher Men 3 December 2011 By Venkateshpdy (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AFisher_Men.jpg">via Wikimedia Commons</a>)
Fisher Men
3 December 2011
By Venkateshpdy (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Consider the power of a call that changes my heart to feel the fragility, the vulnerability, the desperate need to be loved of the human family.
Consider the power of a call that transforms me into someone who fishes with forgiveness, nonviolence, and compassion as my bait.
And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” Mark 1:17
![Buisson ardent en mosaïque de la coupole 1 de la nef de la basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde à Marseille By Robert Valette (Own work) [GFDL or CC BY-SA 4.0-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0], via Wikimedia Commons](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Buisson_ardent-coupole1.jpg)
Buisson ardent en mosaïque de la coupole 1 de la nef de la basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde à Marseille
By Robert Valette (Own work) [GFDL or CC BY-SA 4.0-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Maybe God is always speaking to me. Today I will practice listening more deeply.
Samuel answered, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10b
Jacob de Wit (1695-1754)
Baptism of Christ in the Jordan
chalk and pen, ca.1716
Amsterdam, Amstelkring Museum
via Wikimedia Commons
We are God’s beloved and God is well pleased with us. The whole human family. All of us. In spite of, perhaps because of our human frailty, failures, and weaknesses. God made us human. We are God’s. We are God’s creation, beloved and pleasing to God.
Lord, teach me to see myself and the all of the human family with your eyes and heart.
And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:11
Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, Italy: The Three Wise Men (named Balthasar, Melchior, and Gaspar). Detail from: “Mary and Child, surrounded by angels”, mosaic of a Ravennate italian-byzantine workshop, completed within 526 AD by the so-called Master of Sant’Apollinare
By Nina-no (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.5], via Wikimedia Commons
[The magi] saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Matthew 2:11
Rembrandt (1606-1669)
Simeon in the Temple
oil on panel, 1627-1628
Hamburg, Hamburger Kunsthalle
There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:36-38
God’s Holy Family encompasses every human person—from infants to the elderly. We are all equally important in the eyes and heart of God. We all have something to offer to others. No matter what our age, we are all called to open our minds, eyes, and hearts to encounter the Lord every day.
Mary Ann McSweeny 
