The Power to Do What is Amazing

January 10, Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Reading I Heb 2:5-12, Ps 8:2ab and 5, 6-7, 8-9, Gospel Mk 1:21-28

There are people who think that they are “amazing” when they are appointed as coordinator of a group or a ministry in the parish. They think of the prestige of the title, or they think that they are just there to tell the people what to do and do all the dirty work. In fact, holding a position in a ministry or group is quite scary because there is bigger responsibility resting on your shoulders. Sustaining the faith life of the community (and not just your fellow ministers) where you are also depends on you.

As mentioned in the First Reading, “but we do see Jesus ‘crowned with glory and honor’ because he suffered death, he who ‘for a little while’ was made ‘lower than the angels,’ that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. Jesus could have come to the world as a mighty warrior or a prince with a thousand armies living in a big kingdom. But he came to the world through Mary and Joseph and was born in a manger. Before He could do great things, he had to begin humbly.

Ministers are expected to attend meetings, formations, seminars, recollections, etc. for them to enhance their skills or get more knowledge but to also form them spiritually. In the corporate setting, those who are promoted are employees from the rank and file, whose skills and positive work attitude have been improved and enhanced over time and experience.

An altar server cannot head the ministry if he himself cannot identify the things that are needed for the Mass. One cannot be a head catechist if he or she does not know the basic prayers or not know the reason why we need to go to Church on Sundays. Those leading ministries need to have the right skills and must be spiritually equipped. Jesus started out young; he was only 12 years of age when he was found in the temple by Mary and Joseph.

We can do great things if we start out by taking small, simple steps. Jesus knew this at a young age, so we too, must be prepared and equipped if we were to serve Him.

In Mark 1:27, it says there, “All were amazed and asked one another, ‘What is this?’”. I pray that when we are chosen to lead, and when we choose to accept that responsibility, may we “walk the talk”. Let us ask ourselves, what can I do to accomplish amazing things for God? Let us not impress others just because we are serving or that we are more knowledgeable than others. May our example of living a life in Christ amaze them and encourage them to do the same.