February 1, Thursday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Daily readings: 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12, and Mark 6:7–13
The first reading presents the farewell address of David to his son Solomon. On the verge of completing his earthly sojourn, David does not promise gold and silver to Solomon but an exhortation to remain faithful to the Lord God. To walk in the path of God and to observe all the festivals, His precepts, judgments and testimonies as written in the Law of Moses are of utmost significance for Solomon. David has not forgotten the road he has travelled. As we read in Deut 6:4–7, David demands a wholehearted commitment from Solomon. One must combine soul and heart in all their actions.
They represent the whole human person. Although it may seem like a religion-oriented instruction, it is indeed a God-centered approach to life that David focuses on. David himself experienced God’s vibrant presence in his life amidst all the storms. David knew how God guided him all through, and therefore he exhorts his son Solomon to cling on to God in every moment of his life. This is something that all parents wish for their sons and daughters.
Today’s Gospel reading contains Jesus’ mission exhortation to the Twelve. Unlike David, he passes on the baton to the disciples halfway through his ministry. They are to develop a taste for mission. Jesus empowers them to teach, preach, heal and exorcise the demons. Markan Jesus insists on the austerity of life. It is a ‘less luggage, more comfort’ package. They have to be ready for rejection. They may not receive a wholehearted welcome in all the places. They have to be ready for all kinds of treatment.
The greeting of ‘Shalom’ should always be there in their mouths at all times and in all circumstances. The text also confirms that the disciples of Jesus obliged Jesus in all the ways possible by carrying out their tasks. They preach a message of repentance. Returning to the Lord is a constant reminder to the people of God, always and everywhere. The tendency of humans is always to move away from God and His presence.
Holy Church honours the memory of St. Brigid/Brigit of Ireland. She received a special blessing from St. Patrick. She also founded a monastery in Kildare. She showed signs of great piety due to her love for Jesus!
Call to Action for Catholic Living: There is nothing better than fidelity to God at all times. How do I live my commitment in adverse situations?
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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