5th Week in Ordinary Time (C) : Monday 10th February 2025

The beautiful and almost poetic account of the Creation story and Jesus’ healing the sick are two events signifying God’s graciousness to imprint His mark on them. It is the mark of life.

In the very first chapter of the Book of Genesis, we are charmed by the beginning of God naming and giving purpose to each creation; and then God echoes a satisfied remark. Though only for the first four days, each day has its specific marking too. As though creation was established thousands of years ago, day and night revolved in an orderly manner. From the formless and empty state, God gave shape to creation and marked the boundaries of sky, land and water and their produce. Think for a moment how the vastness of the universe and the far horizon of the earth is within the grasp of God, and God ceaselessly recreates with our human cooperation.

Jesus’ healing is akin to putting order back to people’s lives. St Mark recounted that as soon as they landed on the shore, people recognized Jesus and His disciples. They begged Him to let them touch even the edge of His cloak, and all who touched it were healed. Here, the rekindling of hope through healing is God’s way leaving a mark of freedom on the people from the enslaving label that they are subjected to by demonic oppressions. When they are able to touch God, new life begins. The key message: God leaves an imprint of life on every creation.

God, open our eyes wider to see that hope is within our reach.