Posted by The WORD in other words (2021) by Fr Edwin Fernandez SVD – Divine Word College of Loag
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time – B
When I was assigned in St. Therese Parish, Dagupan City (2010-2011), one of the ministries that greatly challenged my sense of availability was the ministry to sick persons. Sick calls came so frequently during the week at any time of the day or night. Our parish also had regular visits to sick parishioners (at least once a month) who were from the barangays.
I remember well that day when, after several weeks without any day-off, I went to the shopping mall to get a much-needed relaxation, but when I arrived there with all the excitement, my cellphone rang. I was told that I was urgently needed for the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
When I ponder on Jesus’ sense of generosity and availability in today’s Gospel reading, I ask what could be the key to such a fruitful life of service and mission.
First, Jesus had a heart filled with compassion and love for people, especially for those who suffered. He was totally sensitive to their needs. He listened to their groans and cries. When we can put ourselves in people’s situations, and are determined to suffer with them (compassion) and truly care for them, we willingly choose to offer all that God has given us for their good.
Second, Jesus was intimately connected with the Father in prayer. His very demanding and energy-sapping ministry was the fruit of the love that overflowed between the Father and him. Being busy in our ministry sometimes is used as an excuse for not praying much. Jesus’ waking up very early to pray inspite of the previous day’s overwhelming activities is a powerful reminder to us that our mission can only be fruitful when it is rooted in our intimacy with God.
Third, Jesus had the total openness and freedom to go where God wanted him to proclaim His Kingdom. Though the people were looking for him and perhaps wanted him to stay with them, Jesus decided to go to other villages to do the will of his Father and fulfill the purpose for which he came into the world.
Compassion and love for people. Intimacy with God in prayer. Openness and freedom to go where God sends us. All these can make missionary life ever-fruitful and ever-new!
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