Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Saturday of the fourth week in ordinary time, February 8, 2025

Delivered by Father Peter Tukan, SDB from Salesian Don Bosco Gerak in the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. Hebrews 13: 15-17.20-21; Rs psalm 23: 1-3a.3b-4.5-6; Mark 6: 30-34CHARGING ENERGY Our meditation today has the theme: Charging Energy.There are many testimonies both directly and through social media about thedangers of using a cellphone while being charged. People warn each other not tocall or do activities with the cellphone while it is being charged. They say thatthe cellphone could catch fire or explode. There is already a lot of evidenceabout this and it has been going viral for many people to notice. That means the cellphone must be in a state of rest sothat the process of adding electrical energy to the battery is not disturbed bythe use of the same energy for the communication process. That considerationhas its merits, because batteries are like warehouses. They receive energyfirst, then when they finish they will be used for various purposes. It is nota hose that receives and immediately sending out its energy. The experience of spiritual energy is described by ourreadings today. The prayer spoken through the Letter to the Hebrews shows God'saction to strengthen and equip the fragile human being. The prayer says,"May God equip you with all that is good to do His will. And may He workin us what is pleasing to Him, thanks to Jesus Christ." Jesus and the apostles took the quiet time forthemselves to rest, pray, and strengthen fellowship among themselves in themidst of their busy ministry to so many people. But the reality is that thecrowd had not receded their desire to listen and get healing from the Lord.They followed Jesus and the apostles wherever they were lonely. After theprocess of re-charging the energy, new strength and spirit arise withcompassion, moving heart, burning spirit, as it says, "His heart is movedby compassion on them, for they are like sheep without a shepherd." Acquiring new energy or adding and strengthening the existingones is essential for the next task, new challenges, ongoing struggles, and difficultiesthat will be faced. We have moments of examination of conscience, confession,daily and weekly Eucharist, fasting, recollection, and retreat; all of theseare opportunities to re-charging our spiritual energy. These are not justspiritual activities, because they produce people like hoses: upon receiving energycharged, it instantly evaporates and goes out. We must fill our spiritualstorehouse with the energy of the Lord which is our Christian way of life, sothat in due time we can channel it in its various uses.Let us pray. In the name of the Father... O Jesus Christ,strengthen us in bearing true witness of You. Glory to the Father and to theSon and to the Holy Spirit ... In the name of the Father...