Praying with Saint Mark's Gospel: Daily Reflections on the Gospel of Saint Mark by Magnificat

Author:Magnificat [Magnificat]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781936260805
Publisher: Magnificat
Published: 2013-10-18T04:00:00+00:00

JULY 2

"Be not afraid"

Sister Mary Timothea Elliott, r.s.m.

[Jesus and his disciples] left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. He was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death he will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him. (Mk 9: 30-32)

During the homily at the Mass that formally opened his pontificate, Blessed John Paul II cried out, “Be not afraid! Be not afraid to open the doors to Christ!” Whenever this pope encountered young Catholics at a World Youth Day, he repeated the same message: “Be not afraid to open the doors of your hearts to Christ!"

Jesus is traveling with his disciples through Galilee, on the way to Jerusalem. At this time he wishes to instruct them and prepare them for what lies ahead. He does not want them to be frightened and scandalized by the cross. It is an intimate time for Jesus with his disciples alone. As they journey together, Jesus opens his heart and tells them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death he will rise.” The disciples are startled. Peter, James, and John recall their vision of Jesus’ glory on Mount Tabor and wonder what this could mean.

"But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him.” Why are the disciples afraid? Why do they refrain from questioning Jesus? Here he is among them and there are no jostling crowds begging for attention. Jesus attempts to gather them, to share with them his anticipation of betrayal, suffering, death, and resurrection. But they withdraw into silence, as if they do not hear what he is saying.

Each disciple knows himself to be loved by Jesus. Each knows that he was called by name to be “with Jesus,” to preach the good news of the kingdom, to heal and cast out demons, to follow closely and be formed by the teaching of the Master. However, this message of betrayal, suffering, death, and resurrection just does not fit with their aspirations. They are afraid to open wide the doors of their hearts, to welcome a new depth of understanding and relationship with Jesus.

Heavenly Father, help us to so trust in your love that we may dare to ask the questions that will lead to new depths of relationship with you.

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