BE INTIMATE

We sometimes miss the point and go through life without realizing that the meaning of our existence is all about communion with God. We are so caught up in our lives and forget that there is a need to be still and know that He is God with the big G. We should strive for a life of prayer and contemplation and experience mutual presence. Think of our closest friends when we relate things in our life to them. We develop an intimate sharing that binds our relationship. When we share in God's life and we share to Him our own then God draws near to us. There is mutual presence of two who are in love and be intimate. We sometimes experience dryness or longing that makes us feel like God has abandoned us. We thirst for God like a deer yearning for the streams. We long to be at home with the Lord. They are parts of the gift that God is giving to us in order for us to draw near to Him. It is not for us to understand everything right now. Everything will be made clear for us in heaven. We just have to pray and trust that God who stooped down to our level is always here for us. Amen. Hallelujah!

Hebrews 2:14-18
...he had to become like his brothers in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

We all go through different situations and circumstances in life. Some of them do not make any sense if we fail to acknowledge the power of God moving in it. There are numerous things that we can think, focus and decide on but there’s only one thing I am sure of. We’ve got to acknowledge that despite of it all God’s power remains to be above all things no matter what it may seem to be. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9
R: The Lord remembers his covenant forever.
1 Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name; make known among the nations his deeds. 2 Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds.

Today's gospel is a similar version of the one in Matthew 8. It is a figurative form of telling us the importance to stay within the confines and teachings of the Church. It is important to study and learn about our faith. We need to see the plan of God in Jesus. Notice the difference in Matthew 8:14-15, “Jesus entered the house of Peter, and saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. “ And also in Matthew 13:1, “On that day, Jesus went out of the house …” Matthew 13 is all about parables of the Kingdom of God, the people did not understand Him but when He went into the house of Peter the disciples understood Him. The house of Peter signifies the Church, and outside the church there is no understanding of Jesus’ teaching. When we stand from outside of the Church and the faith there is no understanding of Jesus and the plan of God. Just imagine ourselves standing inside the Church and looking at the stained glass windows. We see the images in detail and in full color but if we are from outside the Church what we see is darkness, and kind of shadowy unable to see its full color and detail. This happens when we stand from outside of the faith. The light illuminates the window and we see clearly from inside the church and believe as it illuminates the life of Jesus. Only from within the Church can we understand the mysteries of the Kingdom of God which is actually what Jesus is teaching us. Amen. Hallelujah!

Mark 1:29-39
29 On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. 31 He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. 32 When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. 33 The whole town was gathered at the door.