THE MOB SCENE

Jesus “is always able to save those who approach God through Him, since He forever lives to make intercession for them.” –Hebrews 7:25

Mass Readings: January 19
First: Hebrews 7:25–8:6; Resp: Psalm 40:7-10,17; Gospel: Mark 3:7-12

Something about Jesus makes us feel like mobbing Him. “A great crowd followed Him from Galilee, and an equally great multitude came to Him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, Transjordan, and the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon” (Mk 3:7-8). “In view of their numbers, He told His disciples to have a fishing boat ready for Him so that He could avoid the press of the crowd against Him. Because He had cured many, all who had afflictions kept pushing toward Him to touch Him” (Mk 3:9-10), and unclean spirits would “fling themselves down at His feet” (Mk 3:11).

St. Augustine said that our hearts are restless until they rest in Jesus. When we become aware that Jesus is near us, we sense that we should run up to Him (see Mk 10:17) and hold on to Him for dear life (see Mt 28:9; Jn 20:17). We sense that He is our only Hope, and we will be lost forever without Him. Every person has an emptiness which only Jesus can fill. Therefore, throw yourself at the feet of Jesus and hold on to Him forever.

PRAYER: Father, give me a passionate love for Jesus.

PROMISE: “May all who seek You exult and be glad in You, and may those who love Your salvation say ever, ‘The Lord be glorified.’ ” –Ps 40:17

PRAISE: Louisa, who had not read the Bible, browsed the book of Revelation out of curiosity. When she read Revelation 3:14-16, the Holy Spirit touched her heart. She received the grace of conversion, fell to her knees, and gave her life to Jesus. She returned to Mass after an absence of many years. She now leads a prayer group and an evangelization ministry.