So let's talk about today's readings 4/25/09

[cheeto1]

usccb.org/nab/readings/042509.shtml

“In the name” continues to be mentioned. Even yesterday, when I wasn’t here,
the disciples were joyful that they were seen worthy to be humiliated “for the name”.
Today is the feast day of the evangelist Mark. In the gospel, Jesus Himself uses
the phrase “in My name”, and describes the signs that will follow those who believe.

The signs are these: they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages,
they will pick up serpents in their hands, they will be unharmed should they drink
deadly poison, they will lay hands on the sick, who will recover.

Many years ago when I read this, I thought “I haven’t done any of these things,
does that mean I’m not really a believer?” I still haven’t done these things, but
I know that I believe.

I saw a documentary on a church in Missippi that used this passage in the bible
as their guide to make it a part of their worship service to handle rattlesnakes
and other deadly snakes. Good thing they didn’t decide that they should all
drink deadly poison!

I would like to know if anyone reading this has ever done anything on this list in
Mark’s gospel, and if so, what do you think of believers who haven’t? (yet…)

So what struck you about today’s readings? :bible1::twocents:

 

[NCSue]

I haven’t handled snakes or drunk poison or healed the sick (outside of hopefully helping with that process in my work as a nurse). I believe there may be times when God would see fit to bestow such a gift on someone for a time and for his glory, but I think for me to try it, I’d be 'testing God".

Also, I have to look at my motivations. I think if I were to try, say, handling poisonous serpents, it would be too easy to say, “WOW - look at ME!” rather than “WOW - look at HIM!!” For that reason alone, I wouldn’t attempt it. I struggle far too much with pride.

 

[thevickinator16]

Unless God told me to I would never attempt to be as His chosen few were. Now I have heard of Saints that did miraclous healings, but I don’t know of any ordinary folk. I don’t think that Jesus intended everyone to do this.

I also would be afraid of my pride. It would be a great thing to do, it would also be a burden if it was abused. I would rather not tempt my God to a test. I wouldn’t like to think that the devil made me do it, but that could be possible. Padre Pio was the last Saint that I heard of that did healings while alive. I could be wrong. I leave these things to those He selects. I am not worthy of such a great gift.

God Bless!

 

[Clay_McAleer]

This Gospel reading is very interesting. I have always thought of it in a more metaphorical sense than literal. What I mean is this passage may be about the things belivers can accomplish are unlimited when done “in the name” with solid faith. Casting out deamons could be encouragment to search your own soul for something living there that shouldn’t be, handling deadly snakes could be seen as coming into contact with the selfish, greedy members of society without being infected by their poisions.

I like to find ways of applying the daily readings to daily life. I think it helps the Bible’s message come alive.

 

[thevickinator16]

This Gospel reading is very interesting. I have always thought of it in a more metaphorical sense than literal. What I mean is this passage may be about the things belivers can accomplish are unlimited when done “in the name” with solid faith. Casting out deamons could be encouragment to search your own soul for something living there that shouldn’t be, handling deadly snakes could be seen as coming into contact with the selfish, greedy members of society without being infected by their poisions.

I like to find ways of applying the daily readings to daily life. I think it helps the Bible’s message come alive.

Thanks for the insight!

 

[NCSue]

This Gospel reading is very interesting. I have always thought of it in a more metaphorical sense than literal. What I mean is this passage may be about the things belivers can accomplish are unlimited when done “in the name” with solid faith. Casting out deamons could be encouragment to search your own soul for something living there that shouldn’t be, handling deadly snakes could be seen as coming into contact with the selfish, greedy members of society without being infected by their poisions.

I like to find ways of applying the daily readings to daily life. I think it helps the Bible’s message come alive.

That’s an interesting viewpoint on the reading - thank you for sharing.

 

[cheeto1]

I agree with you NC Sue, vickinator, about the testing and the pride thing, and
about miracles coming “in their time”. Clay McAleer, you talk just like our priest!
I hope you will come back again to offer your thoughts on more daily readings.
Might I ask, what are your thoughts on the phrase, “in the name”, which has been
used almost continually in the readings all week long?