Monday, February 3, 2025
Optional Memorial of Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr
Optional Memorial of Saint Ansgar, Bishop
We are a joyful community of disciples proclaiming the Good News and inviting all people to encounter the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.
“The man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him. But Jesus would not permit him but told him instead, ‘Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.’”
(Mark 5:18)
Vulnerability
Vulnerability can be hard. The word “vulnerability” comes from the Latin word “vulnus” meaning “to wound”. Vulnerability literally means “to be able to be wounded.” I’m sure we’ve all experienced sharing something personal and having someone reject it or us. There is an inherent risk in sharing of ourselves.
The man in today’s Gospel knows this risk quite well. Jesus cast the demons out of him, and he just wants to be with Jesus and leave this town- a town full of pagans who out of fear treated him poorly and as an outcast. If I were him, I wouldn’t want to stick around either.
Jesus calls him to a level of vulnerability for the sake of the Gospel. He calls him to stay in the town and share everything Jesus has done. God often does the same with us. Perhaps it’s sharing part of our testimony with a friend, explaining a medal you wear to a curious stranger, or kindly explaining why you believe Church teachings. Those all take vulnerability.
We ought to follow the man in the Gospel’s example. He didn’t want to stay, but he trusted the Lord and did as he asked. May we trust in the Lord and follow His calls in our lives.
How can I be courageous in going where God is calling me?
Lord, grant me the grace to fearlessly share your goodness with others. Amen.
Reflection by:
Brittany DeHaan grew up in San Antonio, Texas and attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for college. She taught at a Catholic elementary school in Iowa for a year before moving to Florida in 2021. She taught at St. Paul Catholic School in St. Petersburg for two years before joining the pastoral center where she is currently the Communications Coordinator. She is passionate about her faith and loves to be involved in the diocese. She loves music, art, playing sports, and livestreaming GeoGuessr in her free time.