Lamb

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Lamb

Helpless     Sacrificial

Rescuing     Guiding     Gathering

Sheep Without A Shepherd

Pasture

(photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Mark 6: 30 to 34

The apostles came back to Jesus and told Him all that they had done and shared.

Jesus said to them, "Come with me to a quiet place and you can rest now."

There were large crowds that were coming and they were all so busy that they had no time even to eat!

They took off from there in a boat and went to a deserted place.

However, many people saw them leaving and they spread the word to others. They realized where Jesus and the apostles were going and they walked on foot and arrived there ahead of them.

When Jesus got out of the boat and saw the big crowd, His heart was moved with pity for the people.

He thought that they were like sheep without a shepherd.

Jesus began to teach them about the Kingdom of God!

Reflection

In our passage from Mark we have a good sense of the mission of the apostles. They have worked hard in teaching the people about the message of Jesus.

Jesus must have been so proud of them. He had spent a lot of time with them. He had gotten to know them better. He taught them the meaning of the scriptures. Now they were ready to go out on their own.

What an exciting time!

I can remember my first experiences in teaching. The classes were entrusted to me---quite the responsibility. A wonderful opportunity!

There is a feeling of apprehension ("Can I really do this") mixed in with joy ("I am finally getting to do this after all my preparation").

When you have an opportunity to share the results of your teaching and witness, you bubble over with stories and insights. It is a time of celebration and also gratitude to God who leads you every step of the way on your journey of sharing the knowledge that comes from Him.

Jesus is so wise in this passage. He looks into the eyes and hearts of the apostles and realizes that they have given their all and that they are exhausted. They need some time of rest.

The people, though, have their own needs. They are eager for more teaching from Jesus and the apostles. They literally can not get enough!

I can just imagine the surprise and shock on the face of Jesus when He saw the huge crowd in what He thought would be a deserted place! 

As He looks out at them, Jesus sees and feels their hunger. He puts aside His need for quiet and the need of the apostles for rest and ministers to the people as their Shepherd, the Lamb of God.

His sense of sacrifice to minister to others inspires us to put others first and to reach out to them in whatever way we can. 

Kathy's picture comes from a Prayer Service at the Vatican Gardens that points us toward St. Peter's Basilica. It reminds us of the many shepherds through the years who have tried to guide us towards Jesus.

A Good Shepherd is always mindful of His flock and tries to help them and heal them. Jesus shows us the way!

Feed your flock!

1. How do you feel when you share the Good News of Jesus with others?

2. What can we do to balance out the need for our rest and renewal with the needs of those to whom we minister?

3. Who are the shepherds who have led you and nurtured you in your faith journey?

(scripture adapted, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)   

Instructions

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Instructions

Scriptural      Providential

Testify     Anoint     Heal

All Missioned By Jesus

Messengers

(photo by Kathy McNamara from a painting by James Tisssot, 1836-1902, from the Brooklyn Museum; poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Mark 6: 7 to 13

Jesus called the Twelve together and started to send them out two by two.

Jesus gave them power over unclean spirits.

He told them to take nothing as they went---only a walking stick.

They would take no food, no sack, no money in their belts.

They could wear their sandals but only a single tunic.

jesus told them, "When you go into a house, stay there until you leave. If there are places that do not welcome you or listen to you, depart from there and shake the dust from your feet as a witness against them."

The Twelve went off and urged everyone to repent.

They drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil those who were in need of healing and cured them.

Reflection

In this passage from Mark Jesus is giving Instructions for the Twelve. They have been with Him for a while. Now is their time to put what they have learned from Jesus into action!

The first thing we notice is that Jesus does not send out the Twelve individually. They always go out with a companion.

This shows us the importance of community---we are not in this mission alone. It is important to work with others.

As part of His Instruction, Jesus gives power to the Twelve. The specific power that the authors of Mark mention is the power over "unclean spirits". 

This is a tremendous power since the unclean spirits can cause a lot of harm. This power was meant to help the people to overcome evil and to live better lives.

Jesus then tells the Twelve to take nothing on their missionary trips. This is an amazing requirement.

When we look at it today, it seems very challenging. Taking nothing with us as we try to spread the Gospel might initially seem very hard.

As we reflect further, we can see the wisdom in this. If we take too much on our journey, it can become a distraction for us. It can also lead to people being reluctant to join the mission without having a certain amount of food or money.

Jesus is really saying that God will lead us on our journey and provide what we need. Sometimes we can hesitate on our mission because we think we need more of something.

Jesus tells us that we really need very little. He tells us that we can take our "walking stick". Why a "walking stick"?

The "walking stick" gives us balance. It helps us to avoid stumbles. 

This helps the Twelve to stay focused on their mission. It also is a good example for us today.

We don't need a lot for our mission. We are called to proclaim the Good News of Jesus as a consequence of our Baptism. 

Jesus gives us the Instructions. He tells us to keep our focus on the need to repent----to turn away from our selfishness and indifference; and on the need to heal and cure---to help people who are sick and who are in need.

The Instructions that Jesus gave are our Instructions for today. The Good News is that Jesus is with us and will assist us in every step of our journey as we join daily in the amazing mission of Jesus. 

Now is our time! We are the Messengers!

1. What are the "unclean spirits" that we have to overcome today as we share the Good News of Jesus?

2. Why does Jesus instruct us to take nothing on our missionary journey?

3.  What is the "walking stick" that you take on your journey?

4. How is Jesus with you on your missionary journey?

(scripture adapted and reflection and questions by John J. McNamara)

Carpenter

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Carpenter

Native     Identity

Rejecting     Doubting     Unbelieving

Among His Own Kin

Rabbi

(photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Mark 6: 1 to 6

Jesus and His disciples came to His native place. On the sabbath He started teaching in the synagogue and many were astonished who were there.

They wondered, "Where did He get all this knowledge? How does He do such amazing deeds? He is just a carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon. His sisters are here with us."

They were upset with Him. 

Jesus said to them, "A prophet is honored in many places but not in His own house and among his own family."

Jesus was not able to do any great miracles there but He did cure a few sick people when He laid hands on them.

He was amazed that they had such little faith.

Reflection

In this section of the Gospel of Mark Jesus comes back home. He returns to Nazareth but now He is not alone---some of his new disciples are with Him.

On the sabbath naturally they all go to the synagogue to pray with everyone. As part of the service Jesus is invited to share a teaching.

His wisdom, insight, and knowledge overwhelmed those who were gathered in that synagogue at Nazareth. They could not believe that this was Jesus.

After all they had seen Jesus grow up. He had become a carpenter like His father, Joseph. How could a simple carpenter explain the scriptures with such depth?

We can understand this sentiment. When someone is familiar to us, we naturally think we have figured that person out.  

This leads to the people being upset with Jesus. They wonder why He is showing off like this. They cannot accept Him as a Teacher, a Rabbi.

So many times we are quick to judge people. It is hard to truly listen to others.

Because they were so quick to put Jesus down, He could not perform any great miracles there. We are amazed that Mark puts it the way he does because Jesus still does several cures! Not too shabby!

We might ask how anyone could limit the ability of Jesus to perform great miracles. After all Jesus is divine and He certainly could have done great miracles.

The insight here is the importance of human freedom----the importance of our faith. Jesus respects our freedom of choice. He will not perform a great miracle if we are lacking in faith; and if we have faith in Him, great miracles will follow.

Jesus shows His wisdom in the way he reacts to their rejection. He realizes that prophets will not be honored by those who are too close to him. He understand this.

It still upsets Him as it would anyone. Yet He knows where they are coming from. 

He doesn't dwell on it. He moves on. 

He is the sower. The seed is there in Nazareth. It is in us. In time it will bear much fruit! 

1. Have you ever been surprised by the wisdom of someone you grew up with?

2. How do you see the relationship between faith and miracles?

3. Did Jesus fail in His mission at Nazareth?

(scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)

 

Hospitality

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Hospitality

Peaceful     Welcoming

Contributing     Enduring     Persevering

Regard For One Another

Exercise

(photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Romans 12: 12 to 18

Cry out with joy in hope.

Endure all affliction.

Persevere in prayer.

Help out with the needs of the spiritual ones.

Exercise Hospitality.

If anyone opposes you, bless them---do not speak badly about them.

If someone is rejoicing, share in that joy with them.

If someone is weeping, share in their tears.

Have a good regard for one another: do not be proud but accompany those that no one notices.

Do not think that you are so wise in your own opinion of who you are.

If someone treats you in an evil way, do not treat that person with evil.

Be concerned with what is noble and just for everyone.

Try in every way possible to live at peace with all.

Reflection

The gift of hospitality is a wonderful way to welcome each person. St. Paul in this reading from The Letter to the Romans helps us to reflect on how this gift can transform our own lives and those of others.

Paul starts out with reminding us of the importance of hope. He shows us how this virtue can help us as we battle afflictions. He is clear eyed about the reality that there will be struggles and adversity in life.

As we have all had to fight through this pandemic, we are well aware that there will be "afflictions" as Paul puts it and that we need to have hope to fight through them.

The key, Paul tells us, is to "persevere" in prayer. When we are tempted to give up, when we think we do not have the strength to continue, when it seems that all is lost, those are the moments when we have to continue our fight against evil and injustice and adverse conditions.

We are challenged by Paul "to help out". We are called to see what the needs are of those around us and to do whatever we can, each in her or his or their small way, to reach out with compassion and kindness---"to have regard for one another".

We are called to a Ministry of Hospitality.

What does this involve?

Paul tells us: for those people who oppose you, simply bless them. There is no need to yell or scream at them. Simply let them know that God loves them and that you are extending the blessing that God gives to you each moment of your life to them and to their families.

When you are hospitable, there are times when you will be rejoicing with others and times when you will be weeping with them. Those times come from your "hospitable" listening: you put your own needs on the back burner and reach out to those who need your caring.

We are challenged by Paul to reach out particularly to those who go unnoticed. These are the ones who need our greeting and our time in a special way because they are overlooked by so many.

In this way, Paul reminds us, we are not overcome by the evil and adversity but we spread the Peace of Jesus to others. The call to Exercise Hospitality is an invitation for all to experience the Healing Love of Jesus through us.

It is the path to true justice.

Time to exercise!

1. When you hear the word "hospitality", what comes to mind?

2. Can you think of a time in your life when hospitality made a difference in your life?

3. What helps you to persevere in the face of adversity?

4. Why is it such a challenge for us to bless those who oppose us?

5. Are you one of those who is"unnoticed", one who reaches out to the "unnoticed", or a mixture of both?

6. How do you try to overcome evil?

(Scripture adapted and reflection by John J. McNamara)

Squalls

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Squalls

Darkening     Damaging

Rebuking     Ceasing     Calming

Live By Fear/Faith

Deliverance

(picture and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Mark 4: 35 to 41

On that day, as the sun was setting, Jesus said to His disciples: "Let us go over to the other side of the sea." 

Going away from the crowd, they went with Jesus in the boat just as He was. There were other boats with them.

A powerful squall arose and suddenly there were big waves rising over the side of the boat so that it was filled quickly with water.

Jesus was sleeping in the stern of the boat on a cushion. The disciples woke him up and said, "Teacher, are you not worried that we will sink?"

Jesus woke up and calmed the wind and then said to the sea, "Quiet! Be still!"

The wind died down and suddenly there was a great calm.

Then Jesus spoke to the disciples and said, "Why are you so upset? Where is your faith?"

They were amazed and said to one another,        "Who is this that even the wind and sea are under His control?"

Reflection

In this reading from Mark Jesus and the disciples are probably eager to get away from the crowd. It has been a long day. The sun is setting. 

I can sense that everyone is ready for some rest. As wonderful as the ministry is and as great as it is to be with the people, they all need some space to recharge.

It must have been a great feeling to get into the boat, to be with one another, and to be able to finally relax. We all know that feeling---coming home after a long day at work or at school or visiting with friends and family and finally able to take it easy!

That peace and quiet does not last long! A sudden and rather violent storm pops up (these were well known on the Sea of Galilee). This one must have been particularly rough since the disciples were experienced with these types of storms and they still got upset. 

No problem for Jesus! He takes care of it quickly. He seems, however, to be very disappointed with the disciples. He feels that their issue is a lack of faith. 

At first that surprises us. If we were in the boat at the time, most of us would have thought of Jesus as our first option. 

After all we would have witnessed many of the miracles that Jesus did and would have had a sense that He possessed some pretty extraordinary powers.

Jesus seems to be saying that if you truly believe in me, there is no need to wake me. I will be with you no matter what.

But

you have to have faith in me!

1. How do you set aside time when you need to "get away from it all"?

2. Were you surprised at how Jesus challenged the disciples after He had calmed the storm?

3. What are the best ways that you have found to handle the squalls in your life?

(Scripture adapted, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)  

Parable

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Parable

Word     Seed

Rooting     Growing     Producing

The Kingdom Of God

Sower

(photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Mark 4: 26 to 34

Jesus was speaking to the people: "The kingdom of God is like a man who spreads seed on the land. He would sleep and get up at night and during the day and see that the seed would ripen and grow. He could not explain how it happened. The land produces fruit: first we see the blade, then the ear, and finally the full grain in the ear. When the grain is ripe and ready, he gets the sickle right away: it is time for the harvest.

Jesus continued, "What is a good comparison for the kingdom of God? What is a good parable to explain it? It is very much like a mustard seed. When it is sown in the ground, it is one of the tiniest seeds on the earth. After it is sown, it grows quickly and becomes one of the largest plants and develops big branches. The birds of the sky can gather in its shade."

Jesus spoke to them with many such parables to the degree they were able to comprehend His word. He always used parables when speaking with the people, but He would explain all these matters to His disciples privately.

(scripture adapted by John J. McNamara)

Reflection

Jesus is trying to explain a difficult concept to the people: the kingdom of God. He has come to proclaim this special kingdom but it is not an easy task.

The concept that many people at the time of Jesus had was more focused on a political reality. They were hoping to overthrow Roman rule and establish once again their own state with their own king. The expected Messiah would lead them in this effort.

Jesus is trying to lead the people in another direction. Teaching with parables was the way Jesus chose to do this. A parable tries to explain a moral or spiritual concept by illustrating it through a story. 

Our reading from The Gospel of Mark offers two parables to expand knowledge about the kingdom.

The first parable talks about the relationship between our effort and the growth of the crop. We have to work hard in sowing the seed and at the time of the harvest. In between the seed, the soil, water, and sun do all the work. We simply check on the progress of the crop.

How is this like the kingdom of God? Initially we respond to God's invitation to be part of the kingdom. 

After we say "Yes" to God, God leads us in our growth. God shows us the path. God nourishes us. God brings us to the harvest.

We cooperate. God leads.

The second parable has to do with how we judge things. In the eyes of the world small things, like the mustard seed, seem insignificant and unimportant.

It is those very tiny things, however, that can make a big difference in the kingdom of God. Our small acts of love and kindness can have huge consequences. 

This brings to mind the life and example of Therese of Lisieux. Her theme was always to do every small act for, with, and in God. Her Mustard Seed grew tremendously around the world as she became one of the most popular saints after her death at an early age.

Her life resonated with so many because most of us will never be famous for amazing events and accomplishments but we can all do our everyday tasks with dedication and care just as Therese did. 

The kingdom of God can grow within us. Jesus teaches us in these parables that we should first say "Yes" to God and them follow God's lead. That path might seem small and insignificant like the mustard seed but God can bring about the most amazing results.

It is God's Kingdom!

1. Do you enjoy the parables of Jesus?

2. How difficult was it for Jesus to change the minds of the people about the kingdom of God?

3. Is it hard for you to say "Yes" to God?

4. Have seemingly small and insignificant things and events in your life ever had huge consequences for you?

Mystery

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Mystery

Eternal     Life

Searching     Sacrificing     Sharing

Follow the Water-Bearer

Home

(photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:  Mark 14: 12 to 16, 22 to 26

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, Jesus' disciples asked him, "Where should we go and get the Passover meal ready for you?"

Jesus sent two of his disciples into the city with these instructions: "You will meet a man in the city who will be carrying a jug of water. Follow after him and when he enters a home, say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is my guest room where I can eat the Passover with my disciples?"' Then he will show you a large upper room that is furnished and all set for the meal. Get the Passover ready for us there." The disciples followed what Jesus had told them and found it exactly as He indicated. They prepared the Passover meal.

During the meal, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and passed it to them saying, "Take it; this is my body." Then He held the cup and again gave thanks, passing it to each one and they all drank from it. Jesus said, "This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many. Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the time when I drink it anew in God's Kingdom." Then, after singing a hymn, they traveled to the Mount of Olives. 

(scripture adapted by John J. McNamara)

Reflection

In this passage from the Gospel of Mark the disciples were wondering where they could go to celebrate the Passover together. They are well aware that the authorities are looking for Jesus. This is going to be a difficult situation.

The instructions that Jesus give seem very mysterious. The two disciples that Jesus choose have to place a lot of trust in Him and this plan. As we look at it, it seems very vague.

As the disciples enter the city, they follow the man carrying the water jug. This would have been unusual because it was a woman's role.

They follow the man and it develops in exactly the way that Jesus had indicated. The trust that the disciples placed in Jesus was rewarded. His word is true.

During the meal Jesus adds to the Passover ritual. He makes the point that He wants to share Himself with the disciples in a very personal way. He wants to give Himself totally---and not only to the disciples but to all of us.

This amazing mystery, which we call the Eucharist, indicates how deeply Jesus loves us. He was celebrating this Passover in very difficult circumstances. All the preparations had to be done secretly as we have seen.

Jesus ignores all the hardships and thinks only of us---how can I show them how deeply they are loved?

The Eucharist reminds us of how giving Jesus is. He will allow nothing to separate us from His embrace. It is an embrace that makes us feel comfortable. It leads us home.

Enjoy that embrace.

Always!

1. Do you find it hard sometimes to place your trust in Jesus?

2. Who are some of the Water-Bearers you have followed who have led you to Jesus?

3. How do you feel when you reflect on the mystery of the Eucharist?

4. What can separate you from the embrace of Jesus in the Eucharist?

5. As you reflect on Kathy's photo what do you see?