Daily Scriptures Reflection for 2/11/13

Daily Scriptures Reflection

Scripture: Lectionary # 329. Genesis 1:1-19. Psalm 104:1-2.5-6.10.12.24.35. Mark 6:53-56:

The splendor of God shines forth in our readings today. We begin in the beginning with the first four days of creation in the Genesis account given to us by the Priestly Tradition (circa 600 B.C.). Each day of creation will end with the statement, “…and God saw that it was very good (Tov M’aod). Mighty waters, light, separation of light and darkness to create morning and evening, vegetation upon the earth, sun and moon are created and God saw that all was very good (Tov M’aod). The Priestly tradition gives us a liturgical celebration of creation in sketching the first week. We are summoned by the narrative to be faithful keepers of the earth and all that surrounds us. That is a good title for us humans—faithful stewards of God’s creation. We are to sustain and preserve all these good things that God has given us. We all have a responsibility for planet Earth.

Psalm 104 is a great song and hymn of creation. It is lengthy and it brings out in praise what we have heard or read in the first reading. Our response is “May the Lord be glad in his works” (Psalm 104:31). Another beautiful verse is : “How manifold are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you have wrought them all—the earth is full of your creatures. Bless the Lord, O my my soul! Alleluia.”

If anyone appreciated the goodness of God’s creation it was Jesus. In today’s Gospel he restores to health those who are ill. The people are made whole as God intended for they and we are formed in the image and likeness of God as we learn on the seventh day of the story of creation. (Genesis 1:27). The small pericope (Scriptural passage) of Mark ends with the statement: “All who touched him got well.” In the second part of our liturgical worship we know that the Lord touches us and we touch him in the Eucharist through our reception of Communion in the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.