Question of the day?

Hebrews 2:14-18; Psalm 105 The Lord remembers his covenat forever; Mark 1:29-39

In our local paper under the section dealing with local concerns, there is always a "question of the day" heading. In this section, a question is posed concerning some particular matter of consquence or not, and usually there are pictures of those randomly selected citizens who answered the question. Beneath their "mug shot" is the answer they gave to the question of the day.

Reading through the selected scripture passages for today in the Church, a question came to mind. This is a question posed by Pope Benedict in his book, Jesus of Nazareth.

The question of the day: "WHAT COULD THE WORLD MAKE YOU FEAR IF YOU ARE PROTECTED IN THE WORlD BY GOD HIMSELF?"


This question is posed by Pope Benedict in his explanation as to why we say "Deliver us from Evil" in the "Our Father" prayer.

Today in the readings we encounter Jesus being bombarded by "the whole town gathered at the door."

Why were they gathered? I speculate they gathered not so much because they were sick or diseased or possessed by demons, though they were all of these things. I speculate that the reason they gathered at the door waiting for their turn with Jesus was because they were tired of being afraid. They knew that Jesus had the power and the authority to not only cure them, make them whole, but to cast out their fear.

Fear is what keeps us from living our truest identity and a life of fulfillment. Jesus comes to show us that in him the power and authority of God has entered the world to protect us. Perfect love cast out fear. In Jesus, we encounter perfect love. As the Hebrews reminds us, "Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested."

When we say "deliver us from evil" we are not only crying out for rescue; it is not just a plea for redemption; it is also an acknowledgment that redemption has come in Jesus.

Question of the day:
"What could the world make you fear, if you are protected in the world by God himself?"

The question is posed, now it is our turn to answer!