Wednesday of Week 1 Year 1

Life is such that no one remains in the same place, same position, or same job forever. Situations change, the context we are in changes, our behaviour and attitude changes. What was once a passion in the past may no longer be so today. What we were capable of doing in the past may no longer be possible today. This is because, as we go through life, and as we age, we find ourselves being needed differently. Priests and religious, for example, are transferred from one community to another or from one parish to another or even from one role to another, when and where the need arises. The question is: are we ready and prepared to change and for change?

In today's Gospel, we read: "In the morning, long before dawn, he got up and left the house, and went off to a lonely place and prayed there. Simon and his companions set out in search of him, and when they found him they said, ‘Everybody is looking for you.’ He answered, ‘Let us go elsewhere, to the neighbouring country towns, so that I can preach there too, because that is why I came.’ And he went all through Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out devils." It seemed easy and convenient for Jesus to settle down in one place, make Himself comfortable, and carry out His mission there. But as we can see from the Gospel, His mission was not only for one place indefinitely; He also went to other places to preach and cast out devils. By doing so, Jesus set an example for us to follow. Some of us may have become too used to a place, and we should be enthusiastic to go forth and preach the Good News, not stay put and take things easy or for granted. If some day we are asked to move on, let us humbly and joyfully do so, for the greater glory of God.