8 Jan
Fri
Friday after Epiphany
1 Jn. 5:5-13
Ps. 147(146): 12-15,19-20
Lk. 5:12-16
(Ps Wk II)
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A number of times the gospels tell us Jesus went to a mountain or a deserted place to pray. Usually it seemed to be just after a healing or other miracle, or before some important event. Today's gospel tells us about crowds coming to listen to Him and be healed, after learning about His healing miracles. But from the way St Luke writes about Him it's clear that going away to pray was something Jesus regularly did. It wasn't just for 'special' occasions.

What did Jesus pray about? How did He pray? His contact and communication with the One He called "Father" was obviously very important for Him. It was His very life, as He indicated when talking with His disciples and followers about the Father. And clearly He showed that keeping in touch with the Father required time and space "away" from ordinary life. Of course Jesus remained always with His Father, and in that sense He didn't need the solitude of being alone. The fact that He nevertheless did so often and so regularly 'go away' to pray, surely invites us to do the same. It may only be to retire to our "inner room", but we need some time and space for being alone with God, alone with Jesus. More that what we might say or do, just being with the Lord is the important thing.

In the person of the man Jesus healed, today's gospel also shows us a way to pray - recognizing who Jesus really is, to fall prostrate, plead with Him and say:




"Lord, if You wish, You can …" and You promptly answered with: "Of course I wish it. Be clean."




DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That sincere dialogue among men and women of different faiths may produce the fruits of peace and justice.
Elaboration

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