Eldho Augustine csc –
Readings: Heb 2: 14-18; Mk 1: 29-39
The gospel of the day emphasizes the importance of availability. We must be available to those in genuine need, but we also need to find a balance between meeting others’ needs and managing our limited resources. Helping others does not mean pushing ourselves to the point of burnout.
The Church teaches that “charity begins at home” and that we are called to love others as ourselves, but we must also care for our own wellbeing to serve effectively (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2447). We also need quality time to be with God, to pray, and to reflect on our priorities. Jesus provides a perfect example here—he was available to those in need, yet he also made time to pray and be in communion with his Father, drawing strength from it.
Similarly, we are called to serve others, but we must ensure that we don’t become overwhelmed and neglect our spiritual life. The Church encourages us to cultivate a deep relationship with God through prayer and the sacraments, which strengthens us for our mission in the world (Catechism, 2657). Today, Jesus challenges each of us with these questions: How much time do we spend with the Lord? And how qualitative it is? What are the sources of strength that guide our God-centered lives?