Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Thursday of the fourth week in ordinary time, February 6, 2025, Memorial of Saints Paul Miki, Priests and companions, Martyrs

Delivered by Father Peter Tukan, SDB from Salesian Don Bosco Gerak in the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. Hebrews 12: 18-19.21-24; Rs psalm 48: 2-3a.3b-4.9.10.11; Mark 6: 7-13 THE POWER OF A TRUST The theme for our meditation today is: The Power of a Trust. In general, we can categorize trust, mandate, responsibility, or commitment into two. The first is the trust given to perform physical acts such as working for a living, leading an organization, and selling or buying goods. The second is the trust related to doing spiritual activities such as serving God's word, worshipping, praying, and fasting. King David gave his son Solomon the trust of royal leadership, and we can consider it as a representative of the temporal or phisical trust. Parents or adults give trust to their children to carry out their duties and responsibilities according to their expectations. Many of the physical aspects of our lives are determined by the trust placed in us, both within the family and outside of it. Meanwhile, Jesus Christ gave trust and sent His disciples which we can consider them as the representatives of the spiritual trust that we have. Our lives when and wherever it relates to the spiritual aspect, are all determined by the beliefs or spiritual counsel and guidance given to us. For example, a person attends Mass on Sunday, and from there he brings a message of truth to undergo the trust commissioned by the priest at the end of the eucharistic celebration. The important question would be this: what is the strength that makes trust, both physical and spiritual dignified, authoritative, and produces even greater trust than the trust from others around us? Our two readings today give one main answer, which is obedience and fidelity to God who gives that trust. The advice, orders, and rules set are always followed. All this is to ensure that the trust comes from a much greater power or authority and to ensure the legitimacy of the performance of our duties. Obedience means God who gives trust is right and his will remains. So there is no consideration whatsoever from us to argue or even improve it. What we do is to listen, understand, and act on it. Fidelity is the one side of the coin for obedience. Fidelity lasts to the end of life because people are unconditionally obedient. Many times we become like King David or Apostle Peter, who professed faith to obey, but sometimes we are unfaithful in our commitment. The important thing is to have regrets, then renew ourselves to be faithful again. Let us pray. In the name of the Father... O Lord Jesus Christ, make us useful as we are to fulfill the trust You have given us. Hail Mary full of grace ... In the name of the Father...