Mark 1:29-39

Continuous temptation!

We think Jesus was tempted only in the desert. After healing Simon’s mother-in-law and many others, Simon and the others interrupt His prayer with an urgent plea: “Everyone is looking for you!” They invite Him to stay where He is, among those who already appreciate His presence and miracles. This scenario highlights a subtle but powerful temptation: to remain in the comfort of the familiar.

1. The temptation to stay in the familiar:

“Everyone is looking for you!” – the disciples’ words sound both flattering and reassuring. It’s always tempting to remain in places where people already know us, congratulate us, love us, and applaud what we do—be with like-minded people. I did regency in GH, mabait sila, I want to remain with them, But Jesus discerns that this can become a snare, keeping Him from His larger mission.

Jesus responds, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns (Tyre and Sidon, synogogues), so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” His answer shows He refuses to settle for popularity or comfort. Instead, He looks to the larger horizon of God’s will.

Avoid risks: In economics, there’s a principle called the “loss aversion fallacy.” We naturally avoid risks because losing something we have feels worse than the joy of gaining something new. Spiritually, this manifests when we fear stepping into the unknown or giving up our comfortable routines—even if doing so could bring greater fruit or deeper union with God.

We see this “loss aversion” in the parable of the talents (cf. Mt 25:14–30). The third servant buries his talent rather than risking it. He clings to the security of keeping what he has—yet he ends up losing it anyway. In our own lives, how often do we bury our gifts and remain in spiritual comfort zones simply because we are afraid of what lies beyond?

3. Jesus the High Priest: merciful and faithful

The first reading (cf. Heb 2:14–18) reminds us that Jesus, our High Priest, was like us “in every respect,” tempted as we are, yet without sin. He was merciful to the people He served and faithful to God’s plan. That faithful obedience required constant discernment—choosing the Father’s will over human praise or personal comfort.

Summing up, Jesus knew the subtle temptation of settling in a place where people cheered for Him. He overcame it by choosing the Father’s mission over personal comfort. As our merciful and faithful High Priest, He understands our own struggles with fear and complacency. Today, let us ask for the grace to follow Him into the unknown—beyond our routines, beyond our fears—trusting that God’s plans far surpass any temporary comfort we might cling to. Then, like Jesus, we will fulfil our true calling and experience the joy of doing the Father’s will.

New Teaching with authority

New Teaching with authority in Today's Gospel Mk 1:21-28;  

Today's Church needs a new way of evangelization according to the needs of the modern and present church. The Popes of different times published different texts according to the issues and problems of their time. The Jubilee year asks for a new way of teaching. 

Teaching with learning; sharing thoughts, teaching without speaking, teaching through actions, testimonies, the limit of giving a sermon in 7-10 minutes, 

Teaching puts attention on the word of God, not our own way of exhibiting ourselves, scribes teaching focused on their respect, Jesus’ name of Jesus, glorify, when i was in USA, when i was in francis, when i met Pope, 

Teaching keeps the sin away: the common enemy is the sin not individuals, 

Feast to Francis Xavier

Today, we in India celebrate the solemnity of Saint Francis Xavier, patron of missionaries, who brought the light of Christ to our forefathers. This year is very particular because his body is kept out for public veneration, it was done during a decennial exposition in Goa, India in 1964. 

In the Office of the Day, the second reading presents a letter written by Saint Francis Xavier to Saint Ignatius, his Superior General. Through this letter, we glimpse the context of our country during his time of deep poverty, illiteracy, and the many challenges the Saint faced in his mission; 

The world in which Saint Francis Xavier lived was very different from ours. At that time, the Church taught that salvation was possible only within its fold, making evangelization its primary mission. The focus was that through teaching the basics of faith: the Creed, Our Father, and the Hail Mary. Today, the Church has a broader understanding, recognizing God’s presence and revelation in different ways and faith traditions. Evangelization now emphasizes living as witnesses to Christ, reflecting the teaching that “time is greater than space” (cf. Evangelii Gaudium).

The coastal areas were full of Parava communities where the community of fishermen who had suffered persecution and were eager for the protection of Portughese. He faced a language barrier, and lack of formal church structures. He wanted to gather the children first, ringing a small handbell to attract attention. the sound drew children and villagers out of their homes about man of God. 

Religious fundamentalism and Hinduism was very strong in those places. In Saint Francis Xavier’s time, the mission was about baptizing thousands. Today, such methods are neither feasible nor appropriate. Religious fundamentalism dominates many spheres, making public proclamation of Jesus difficult, even dangerous. Anti-conversion bills are passed, you will be arrested if you proclaim the religion publicly.

Francis desired to go to India when no missionaries knew well of all the commodities and challenges. His passion to live the Gospel in the midst of inconveniences. 

So, we cannot simply conclude that we must be missionaries like Saint Francis Xavier. Times have changed. Today, Christianity faces challenges of relevance and survival. Through initiatives like the Synod and the call to journey together as brothers and sisters, the Church seeks new ways to engage with the world and remain faithful to the Gospel.

As we honour Saint Francis Xavier and flock to see his sacred relics, let us seek his intercession. May his example inspire us to live as joyful witnesses of Christ in our own time.