Daily Reflection Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

 In our Gospel, we see that after accounts of the rejection of Jesus by the Pharisees and Herodians, we have today’s positive account of how the crowds still follow Jesus and how he heals them. Mark’s Gospel begins with four different references to Jesus’ healing ministry. More than in the other Gospels, Mark highlights the healing ministry of Jesus. It’s a sign that the Kingdom of God is at work, and it shows how the healing works of Jesus are reflective of the Father’s desire that everyone be healed.
         No wonder that crowds flock towards Jesus. The “unclean spirits” see him for who he is, even if the disciples and the crowds are less perceptive. We must never forget that any assistance we offer to the sick and the infirm marks us as disciples of Jesus and partners with him in working for the realization of the God’s kingdom.
         In the Spiritual Exercises, Ignatius reminds us that “Love ought to show itself in deeds rather than in words” and Jesus is, as ever, the model for us to follow. I’m praying that, at least for today, I will be able to show my love in deeds great and small.