Gospel MK 1:29-39
On leaving the synagogue
Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.
Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.
They immediately told him about her.
He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.
Then the fever left her and she waited on them.
When it was evening, after sunset,
they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.
The whole town was gathered at the door.
He cured many who were sick with various diseases,
and he drove out many demons,
not permitting them to speak because they knew him.
Rising very early before dawn,
he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.
Simon and those who were with him pursued him
and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.”
He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages
that I may preach there also.
For this purpose have I come.”
So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons
throughout the whole of Galilee.
Reflection:
There is often good natured banter about this gospel passage, implying Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law so she could get up and wait on the men. I imagine that’s fine with Jesus. I picture him as the kind of guy who would delight in some good natured ribbing.
The point is the story goes on to say that Jesus “cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons.”
It sounds like over a period of the entire evening that could be exhausting work. Nevertheless, he got up early and went off alone to pray.
When Simon Peter found Jesus, he expressed concern that “Everyone is looking for you.”
But, Jesus’ work in that town was done. He wasn’t there to take bows and dally. He had made known the presence and power of God. Now it was time to take the message and the healing to others, who also needed to know of God’s love.
We continue to mirror Jesus’ way of serving. We go to the hurting and needy. We heal their worries and concerns by meeting their needs. We leave them with a symbol of God.
Then we move on to the next person, so they to may come to know of God’s awareness of there troubles and that he has sent his disciples to be his answer to their prayers.
At My Brother’s Keeper, like Jesus, we pray each day. Prayer is the glue that holds us together as a community and gives us the strength to do God’s work on earth.