To you, O Lord, I lift up my eyes. — Psalm 123:1

Mass readings: 2 Timothy 1:1-3,6-12 / Mark 12:18-27 

It’s a Mystery 

The Gospel of Mark reminds us of the importance and reality of mystery. Jesus tells those who scoff at Him that they simply don’t understand God or the reality of life after death. They were trying to talk about religion without an understanding of the mystery inherent in it. We make the same mistake when we talk about doctrines of the Church without first and foremost having a deep experience of God in our prayer lives. St. Paul went so far as to say of this, in 1 Corinthians 2:14: Those who are “unspiritual” don’t accept “what pertains to the Spirit of God,” to understand the mystery that underlies all that we believe. 

How do we “get spiritual”? Practice, practice, practice. Otherwise all of our beliefs — and our practices — will be superficial. 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, enlighten our minds and hearts to the mysteries of Your glory and our shared life in You.