February 24, 2025
Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Go Forth and Live
…Jesus took him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up.
Mark 9:27

Conventional wisdom changes over time. And that’s not a bad thing. Remember the days when long hospital stays were the norm and recovering patients were often advised extended bed rest? Not anymore. Doctors today know that too much rest can lead to other problems. Patients now are prompted to get up sooner than they might like. And while our bodies do need a chance to heal, rest is gradually replaced with physical activity.

Jesus knew this all along, didn’t he? He did more than cure the sick. He wasted no time commanding, not asking, them to go forth and live—right then and there. While we’re not guaranteed miraculous cures, Jesus stands ready to lift us up as well. Scripture reminds us, “He gives power to the faint, abundant strength to the weak” (Isaiah 40:29). Our Divine Healer always has. And he always will.

Healer of our wounds, guide us forward.

- Gail Goleas

Sirach 1:1-10 ✚ Psalm 93:1-2, 5 ✚ Mark 9:14-29
Jesus reaching out his hand to man to forgive him. Image by Ekaterina Shvaygert | stock.adobe.com
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Comments

February 24, 2025 at 02:20 PM

"Put yourself in God's hands; He abandons no one." St. Andre Bessette

February 24, 2025 at 10:15 AM

Gail great words to remember. Prayer, prayer, prayer!!! Blessings to all the LFF, especially those with extra needs these days, Pope Francis, and all affected by the changes in our country right now. May we pray and spread the love of God through all the world.

February 24, 2025 at 09:57 AM

AMEN!

February 24, 2025 at 09:49 AM

Praying for immigrants, for workers losing their jobs, and for the poor, hungry and sick across the world who are in need of food and medical aid.

michele
February 24, 2025 at 11:05 AM

Amen! There, but for the grace of God go I.

peggyR
February 24, 2025 at 10:56 AM

Thank you, Frank. Our voices are needed to maintain awareness of the suffering in our country and in the world.

jane
February 24, 2025 at 10:29 AM

Amen Frank. So many are so distraught. Lord, help light their path and show them your way. Amen.

February 24, 2025 at 09:26 AM

Peace to everyone. Amen!

February 24, 2025 at 09:25 AM

Amen. :)

February 24, 2025 at 07:05 AM

*** The problem in Mark 9:17-18, “A man in the crowd answered. “Teacher,” he said, “I brought You my son. He is controlled by an evil spirit. Because of this, my son can’t speak anymore. When the spirit takes hold of him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth. He grinds his teeth. And his body becomes stiff. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit. But they couldn’t do it.” *** Unbelief is the reason for issues not solved in Mark 9:22-24, “The (evil) spirit has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us. Please help us.” “ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for the one who believes.” Right away the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe! Help me overcome my unbelief!” *** Whatever the issues to be resolved, start with prayer in Mark 9:28-29, “Jesus went indoors. Then his disciples asked him in private, “Why couldn’t we drive out the evil spirit?” He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.” ******* When we pray, pray expectedly and with a clean heart in Mark 11:24-25, “I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too!” Because God hears the prayer of a godly person who has faith in James 5:15-16, “The prayer offered by those who have faith will make the sick person well. The Lord will heal them. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. So confess your sins to one another. Pray for one another so that you might be healed. The prayer of a godly person is powerful. Things happen because of it!” And Proverbs 15:29, “The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayers of the righteous!” Amen ✝️

February 24, 2025 at 03:48 AM

Thank you Gail. I love the sense of urgency that Jesus provides…after the demon is gone, we need to take his hand, get up and walk with him. Continue following him. I have been so spotty in my comments. I get home from classes and am tired. Learning lots, but wish I had more time cooking / practicing. Sending healing thoughts to our Holy Father who is struggling. Lord, walk with your son Francis and allow him to feel your comforting presence. I have a 5 day break from classes right now and am enjoying a few days in Matera, a town that has an old town that looks like Bethlehem. Just stunning. Love being here, will love to be home. :-). Amen.

peggyR
February 24, 2025 at 10:52 AM

So good to hear from you, Jane. I too, have been spotty with commenting. Would love to hear about some of the cooking you’ve learned. Funny, I have friends by the last name of Matera. My grandparents were from Cosenza, Calabria. What a wonderful experience for you. Joining you in prayer for our beloved Holy Father. Thank you for posting your much needed prayer for the suffering in this world. Ciao!

February 24, 2025 at 03:43 AM

Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those in need. Come to the side of those experiencing violence in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, and the Sudan. Please hear the pleas of all those suffering around the world - and give them strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.

Jesus reaching out his hand to man to forgive him. Image by Ekaterina Shvaygert | stock.adobe.com
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