Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Tuesday of the fourth week in ordinary time, February 4, 2025

Delivered by Father Peter Tukan, SDB from Salesian Don Bosco Gerak in the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. Hebrews 12: 1-4; Rs psalm 22: 26b-27.28.30.31-32; Mark 5: 21-43 KEEP GOING AND KEEP THE SPIRIT   The theme of our meditation today is: Keep Going and Keep the Spirit. A phrase that is similar to this theme would be: the game must go on. Italians call it "sempre avanti". We realize that demons do not stop or get tired of tempting us. Likewise, we understand that difficulties and sufferings will always be experienced by us.   We remember the temptation of Jesus three times when He fasted for 40 days in the desert. It is said that when Jesus cast out the tempter while saying: "O you, Satan get out of here!", the devil did go out, but he waited for another opportune moment so that he could carry out his task of tempting and deceiving Jesus.   Today our readings seem to give the impression that the demons were taking a break. In this way Jesus had a free opportunity to heal the sick. Perhaps Satan was also pity on the sick, so he did not want to add to their suffering. Or maybe they respected Jesus who was at work.   What the Lord Jesus did should motivate us to keep working and still be aware that there is always a temptation to prevent us from working. The letter to the Hebrews motivates us by saying: "Let us race diligently in the race which is required of us ... with eyes fixed on Jesus." The focus of work and the power of God are our resources.   We must keep going and stay in good spirit.  The main duties, mandates, missions, and responsibilities must remain our affairs at all times. Even though temptations, challenges, disturbances, difficulties, and even threats in any form come our way, we just keep going, just be enthusiastic. God knows we are struggling and threatened, but He allows us to keep going and He will step in to help when we are no longer able to do so. This at least prevents two bad habits that we often do.   First, when we have successfully passed a test or difficulty, we become relaxed, less alert, and become discouraged. This is actually a good opportunity for Satan to approach and do his duty.   Second, when we have overcome all obstacles or difficulties, not long afterwards come another difficulty. As a result, people become discouraged, tired, and give up. It is also an opportunity for Satan to get close and get excited to work. So to overcome a relaxed and desperate attitude, we need to have one strength, which is to keep going and keep the good spirit. Let us pray. In the name of the Father... O Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen our faith so that we can overcome the relaxed and desperate attitude within us. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit ... In the name of the Father...