As we begin the liturgical season of Ordinary Time in the Christian tradition, we are invited to reflect on the daily readings. For this first week of the season, the first readings come from an unknown author directed at the somewhat ambiguous audience in early Christianity known as “the Hebrews.” The Gospel readings during Ordinary Time are focused on Jesus and his actions and words, but mostly his actions, in the Gospel of Mark. Please consider writing your own responses to the reflection questions below, or to reply to other peoples’ contributions. (Below: Eleventh century fresco of the Exorcism at the Synagogue in Capernaum)

Here are the readings for January 14, 2025 from the Letter to the Hebrews and from the Gospel of Mark.

1. When Jesus drives out the unclean spirit, why does he command the spirit to be quiet, rather than seizing the opportunity for the people to learn more about his identity?
2. Jesus taught and healed on the sabbath, the day of rest. The purpose of the sabbath is not just about disconnecting, but about reconnecting. Reconnecting can take energy on a day of rest. How can you be mindful of the balance between disconnection and reconnection and put it into practice on a day-long or hour-long sabbath?

Read pages 3 and 4 of the Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers.

On page 3 of the Fundamental Principles, the author states that “at times you will discover that God’s ways are not your ways, and God’s thoughts are not your thoughts. When this happens, try to surrender yourself trustingly into the arms of your Parent God.” At what times in your life have you made this discovery (good, peaceful, stressful, grief-stricken, angry, relaxed) and how have you responded as a kind of “surrender?”

(Photo of Xaverian Brothers gathering in Congo https://xaverianbrothers.org/2022/09/12/a-visit-to-congo/)