Daily Gospel Reflection for February 8, 2021

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Mark 6:53-56

After the accident, they flew this twelve-year-old boy to a trauma center. Weeks later, they transferred him to our local hospital. I was excited and visited within hours, but was shocked to see he was still struggling. I prayed for him throughout the night. At morning Mass, the lector read: “Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint [him] with oil ....” (James 5:14).

Oh my, had they anointed this boy during his month-long stay in intensive care?

I raced to the hospital. His mother and father welcomed me with worry in their eyes. After speaking in hushed tones, I inquired: “Has he been anointed?” They shook their heads no. The day’s readings compelled me to ask: “Would you like to have your son anointed?” Both parents nodded in the affirmative, though one was not Catholic. “I promise I will find a priest to anoint your son today.”

And then, by God’s grace, a priest walked into the room. Seriously!

The priest greeted the parents and spoke words of comfort to the young man. I stepped in, “Father, this young boy would like to be anointed.” Right then, Father gathered us around the hospital bed for prayer and this healing sacrament. Later that day, I learned the boy had improved, and they moved him to a regular unit for observation.

Years later, I still remind this young man, “God has a plan for your life!”

Today’s Gospel challenges us to scurry—to do whatever necessary—to bring the sick to Jesus through prayer, presence, and the Sacrament of Anointing.

Ponder:

When have you hurried to bring to a sick loved one to Jesus?

Pray:

Lord, You came into the world to save the lost and heal the sick. Help each of us to step forward in faith to seek Your healing for those in need. Amen.

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Today’s Gospel challenges us to scurry—to do whatever necessary—to bring the sick to Jesus through prayer, presence, and the Sacrament of Anointing. #dailygospel

Copyright 2021 Mary Pedersen