Simply sharing Jesus

Good morning, happy Monday and blessings.

The Gospel for today immediately follows the miraculous, and yet frightening night the disciples had spent upon the sea. As we will discover, the people of Gennesaret, and Bethsaida in particular, possessed great faith and welcomed Jesus. They reacted to the presence of Jesus much differently than the disciples or the people of Gadara had. We need the faith and desire of those within Bethsaida. The Anticipation for Jesus (54-55) – Here we see the great anticipation those in Gennesaret had regarding the arrival of Jesus. We find that:

First, he was Recognized (54) – And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him. As Jesus and the disciples stepped out of the boat, He was immediately recognized by the people – they knew Him. They knew exactly who He was. This has the idea of “knowing through experience.” There was no doubt or confusion; they knew the man who stepped out of the boat was none other than Jesus Christ. Apparently, some of them had encountered Jesus before. He was known of many in Gennesaret.

Second, he was Revealed (55) – And ran through that whole region round about and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. Those who saw Jesus step out of the boat did not remain quiet and go on about their daily routine. They immediately went throughout the region, bringing those who were sick and afflicted to where Jesus was. The news quickly spread that Jesus had come to Gennesaret.

How often do we share the Good News with others? Do we possess the faith and anticipation of these? Are we doing all we can to get those who stand in need of salvation to Jesus? I pray we will be more like those in the text and proclaim Jesus to a world that needs to hear of His saving grace!

And third, he was Respected (55) – And ran through that whole region round about and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. Unlike those in Gadara, the people of Gennesaret brought their sick to Jesus expected Him to heal them. They knew Jesus had power and they were committed to getting their friends and loved ones to Jesus.

We must do our part to honor Jesus with our lives and present a faithful witness for Him. We cannot expect the world to desire Jesus and believe in Him if the church never reveals any enthusiasm for our Lord. Are we ready to do this? Let's start now.

Do not stay and come to celebrate in community.

Blessings

Fr. Luis +