Dearest Goddaughter (LTR-30) - God Above All

Dearest Goddaughter,

In today's Gospel, Saint Mark gives us a glimpse into a day in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ, and it is a BUSY day. Jesus healed Simon's mother-in-law who was sick. He then spent the rest of the day and well into the night curing "many who were sick with various diseases, and he driving out many demons." Yet, he found time to pray. After a long day and night, Christ rose up early before dawn and prayed.

I am reminded of this beautiful story about Saint Teresa of Calcutta. She and her fellow sisters were so busy caring for the poor and the sick. Her fellow sisters approached her about how busy they were. In response, Mother Teresa added another Holy Hour to their day. For her, the busier you are, the more time you need for prayer.

What about us? We work with many young couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage, many of who are out of practice when it comes to praying. We encourage them to start small - grace before meals or even a short prayer before they kiss each other good night and sleep. We share with them the importance of prayer in their daily lives, especially when they have children. A family that prays together stays together.

My sister-in-law and her husband get really busy with their children, especially when they play sports. Yet, they make sure the kids go to Mass, even if it means rising earlier in the morning. I love them and admire them so much for all they do to instill the love of their faith in their children, even in the busyness of life. Let us all put God first and foremost in our day.

Love,

Bỏ Phúc

P.S. These are the readings for the day: 1 Sm 3:1-10, 19-20 and Mk 1:29-39 (below).

. . .

On leaving the synagogue

Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.

Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.

They immediately told him about her.

He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.

Then the fever left her and she waited on them.

When it was evening, after sunset,

they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.

The whole town was gathered at the door.

He cured many who were sick with various diseases,

and he drove out many demons,

not permitting them to speak because they knew him.

Rising very early before dawn, 

he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.

Simon and those who were with him pursued him

and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.”

He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages

that I may preach there also.

For this purpose have I come.”

So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons 

throughout the whole of Galilee.