Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Tuesday of the fourth week in ordinary time, February 3rd, 2026

Delivered by Christine Gunawan from the Parish of Saint Joseph Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Pontianak, Indonesia. 2 Samuel 18: 9-10.14b.24-25a.30 - 19: 3; Rs psalm 86: 1-2.3-4.5-6; Mark 5: 21-43.KEEP GOING ANDKEEP THE SPIRIT The title for our meditation today is: Keep Going andKeep the Spirit. A phrase that is similar to this title is: the game must go on. Italians call it"sempre avanti". We realizethat the demons do not stop or never tire of tempting us. Likewise, we knowthat we will always experience difficulties and suffering. We remember the temptation Jesus faced three timeswhen He fasted for 40 days in the desert. It is said that when Jesus drove thetempter away as He was commanding, "Go away from me, you, Satan!",the devil did leave, but he kept waiting for another opportunity to tempt anddeceive Jesus. Today our readings seem to give the impression thatthe demons were resting for a while. Therefore we see that Jesus had a freeopportunity to heal the sick. Perhaps Satan was also sympathetic to the sick,so he did not want to do more harm and add to their suffering. Or maybe theyrespected Jesus who was doing His work. David, who was being opposed by those close to him,was also free from the threat. His son Absalom who threatened him had died. Inhis palace David was sad and wept for his son. He must continue his duty tolead the kingdom because it was a sacred duty from God. Sadness is natural and continueto occur, but it is just for a moment. We have to keep going and keep our spirits up.  Ordinary and daily duties, mandates,missions, and responsibilities should remain our occupation at all times. Eventhough temptations, challenges, distractions, difficulties, and even threats ofany form come along the way, we just keep going, be hopeful and joyful. Godknows we are struggling or even threatened, but He allows us to keep going andHe will step in to help when we are no longer able to bear the burden of life.This at least prevents from two bad habits that we often are not aware of. First, when we have successfully passed an trial ordifficulty, we become relaxed, less vigilant, and not anymore focus. This isactually a good opportunity for the devil to approach and do his job.  Second, when we have overcome all obstacles ordifficulties, not long after, other difficulties come. Consequently, we becomedesperate, tired, hopeless and give up. It is also an opportunity for the devilto come closer and get excited about his work. So to overcome a relaxed anddesperate situation, we need to have a strength, which is to keep working and remainexcited. Let us pray. In the name of the Father... O Lord JesusChrist, strengthen our faith so that we can overcome the mere relaxation anddespair within us about our daily activites. Glory to the Father and to the Sonand to the Holy Spirit ... In the name of the Father ...