Father Csaba’s reflection on the gospel Wednesday 9 January 2019
"When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the sea. “Mk 6,45
We can see the struggling of our fellow human beings who are in trouble , but unfortunately we get bogged down at lamenting , listing the reasons for the development of the problems !! Lets be honest we often accuse as well : why did they have to go there ? Why did not they look after themselves ? Why did not the get ready for the “storm” ? Etc.
Jesus seeing people in trouble gets going on the water. We should learn this from our Master : whether there is a way , or no way that leads us to to a man in trouble we have to go, help our brethren in trouble . I experienced that even if seemingly the way is unsurpassable, we could say we are a world apart from a drifting man, but the goodwill , the readiness to help are capable of bridging every precipice .
A short time ago I married a young couple . The girl I got to know at the time when she was 10 years old , living in a state orphanage . We took her in, in the name of God she was lovingly raised by the carer Mónika , and now she came from far away to promise everlasting loyalty to her sweetheart . After the ceremony I was sitting in the dining room opposite my grownup daughter, laughing at old stories and my heart was filled by an infinite calm, pride and joy . We set out many years ago on the sea of of officialdom of the child protection agencies , towards a drifting life without parents and behold , we the little stumbling people could help realistically ! Our daughter grew up , stands on a rock solid foundation , calmly, happily smiling by the side of the love of her life . The husband, my son-in-law , squeezed my hand when we parted and all he said , that he thanks us for raising Giulia for him . And I thank Jesus for the good example ! It is good to be good , it is good to notice the person in trouble and set out apprehensive , on the continuously stormy sea , to help ! It is good with mercy and love to bend down to the one in trouble and with our own limited resources to do day after day what we can do..
With love,
Father Csaba
translated by dr k.e.
Photo : the cheerful little helpers of Saint Nicholas here in Déva.
The Word of God
Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After saying farewell to them, he went up on the mountain to pray. When evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the sea. He intended to pass them by. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.
Mark 6:45-52
Father Csaba’s reflection on the gospel Wednesday 9 January 2019