How do I welcome Jesus?

 
Reading: When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there.  As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. Mark 6:53-54.
 
Good morning, happy Monday, and many blessings my dear family.
 
Today’s Gospel (Mark 6:53-56) is only 3 verses long. This may be the shortest reading in the lectionary. The Gospel begins as Jesus and his disciples reach the other side of the lake. As they get out of the boat, Jesus was recognized as the teacher and healer that so many of the people had heard. As the word spread about Jesus preaching and healing, many people began to gather. They brought their family members and loved ones to Jesus for healing. And Mark says that everyone who was touched by Jesus that day was healed.

The longing and desire for healing moves people to rush and follow Jesus. They go to towns, valleys and marketplaces, begging that they might touch the fringe of his cloak. They carry those who are unable to walk on mats.
No matter where we find ourselves, we are vulnerable and in need of healing. Is there something I am carrying that may not be obvious to anyone else? Perhaps I can recognize my need for prayer in this situation and furthermore to walk with others in this journey of life.
How would we react if Jesus appeared to us today? Would we seek Him out and ask Him to heal us? What is the healing that we would ask for? Or would we be skeptical and watch Jesus from a safe distance? What is it that might keep us from approaching Jesus and asking Him for what we desire: fear, a sense of unworthiness, skepticism, or shyness?

The reality is: Jesus is in our midst today and every day! However, we may not “see” Him as the people in His day did. However, if we have “eyes of faith,” we will see and experience Jesus. And He will gift us with the grace we need for this day. However, we need to have open eyes and believing hearts! We also need to be on the lookout for Jesus. We need to expect Him to come to us. True, we do not know the day nor the hour. However, if we are “awake” we will experience Jesus in some way today! Be alert! He is coming!
 
The magnetism of Jesus is extraordinary. Do I share the enthusiasm of the crowds, or do I miss the action? What difficulties do I overcome to get to him – like rising earlier to pray, or going to visit the sick, or taking quality time in a busy day to sit with him?
 
Imagine that Jesus shows up in your marketplace! What would the reaction be? Does Mark intend us to see that the marketplaces of the world could be a center for divine power and healing, if the gospel were alive in them? How do I welcome Jesus? As a man; a healer; a friend - as God? Think, and pray, about it.
 
Blessings,
 
Luis+