January 5 Genesis 9-10 & Mark 2:1-12

Chapter 9 introduces us to the word, "Covenant." The words we commonly use as the Old and New Testament at a deeper meaning mean Old and New Covenant. This word describes the relationship between God and Israel, the people of God. At Vatican II one of the names of the Church is The people of God. At the time of Moses in the Book of Exodus, we will come to a better understanding of this word and reality. For now enjoy the sign God gave Noah for the sign of this covenant, the rainbow. Can you recall seeing a rainbow? Or visualize one? What do you and the Lord need to agree upon in your relationship together? How did our world come about with its nations with allies and enemies? These chapters of Genesis give the people of Israel some answers. Pray for the nations of the world to seek the Common Good for all people.

Jesus had a home. He had an ordinary life for 30 years and even during his ministering years he centered his days out of the city of Capernaum. Capernaum is on the northern end of the Sea of Galilee a beautiful area of Israel. This story of the healing of the Paralytic is inspiring to me not so much for the healing, but how it came about. The lines that say, "When Jesus saw their faith . . ." Jesus healed the person because of the faith of those who brought the paralytic to him. Know your prayers and your good works of faith bring blessings to others. Seek ways o bring Christ's healing and care to others today.