Mk 6:53-56 They Immediately Recognized Him

Monday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

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By FR. ALFONSE NAZZARO

 

After making the crossing to the other side of the sea, Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there.  As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him.  They scurried about...and began to bring in the sick...

 

I woke up bright and early to read today's Gospel passage and this morning's news.  I was amazed at how they both came together in one amazing event:  the Pope's visit to a shantytown in Italy.

 

Jesus came to land at Gennesaret.  Gennesaret was no Jerusalem.  It was a town rich in wild life, plant life and fruits. Surprisingly, it was not well populated, most likely because it was known to be a hot bed for malaria and other diseases. 

 

Regardless of all its dangers, the Lord spent a lot of time there touching, curing and healing the sick.

 

This is today's Gospel passage.  Now for today's news.

 

According to Time Magazine, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, took a detour Sunday and stunned the residents of a Roman shantytown with a surprise visit.  Italian television station TV2000 captured a video showing the Pope laughing with the shocked crowd, many of whom originated from South America. 

 

“How many of you here speak Spanish?” the Argentinian Pope asked.  He was met with a boisterous response: “Todos!”

 

 



 I am not at all surprised Pope Francis took such a detour.  While in Argentina, he would often make similar stops to the poorest neighborhoods surrounding Buenos Aires.  
 
The Holy Father is simply doing what he has always done and what the Gospel is always demanding. 
 
But there is also another reason for his visit.  He wants to set the example for Christians throughout the world.  He wants us to do the same.  And I will.  Today.   

Mother Teresa once said "It's very fashionable today to talk about the poor.  Unfortunately, it's not very fashionable to talk to the poor." 
 
Finally, while writing this brief meditation, I couldn't help but be reminded of last night's GRAMMY AWARDS!  Can you believe it???  What a difference!  What a sign of contradiction!  It is the subtle difference between glamour and nobility; flashiness and holiness.

It's hard not to love this man and consider him a true Rock (Petros) star!

Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, the people immediately recognized him.