The pagan influence

The text today in the Roman Catholic Lectionary from the First Book of Kings tells of the attempt of Jeroboam to change the practice of his people in the northern kingdom from traveling to Jerusalem to worship by creating temples at Bethel and Dan. According to Friar Jude Winkler the worship and traditions celebrated at Bethel and Dan were at least originally intended to be Jewish, for Jewish people. Confusion between icons intended to focus our attention toward God and idols which we treat as God is not a past problem in our salvation history, but it reasserts itself as we struggle with pious practice, reputation and wealth issues in our Churches. Are we focusing on God or the trappings of religion which bring us comfort. The Gospel of Mark restores our understanding that Jesus is moved by and is compassionate for our needs to be cared for materially and spiritually. The feeding of the pagan people who had been thirsting for a relationship with the Divine left the crowd with seven (the perfect number) baskets of left overs. Jesus proclaims that the abundant love of God is enough for everyone. This love is focused universally today as the World Day of Prayer for the sick. Let us pray!