Mark 1:29-39
29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. 3 1He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
32 That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered around the door. 34 And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. 35 In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.
36 And Simon and his companions hunted for him. 37 When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” 38 He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” 39 And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.
Looking for Jesus
This Sunday, St. Mark introduces us to Jesus performing miracles with authority and without expecting praise or compliments. We see Him leave the site immediately to move on to another job.
He starts with a sign of sympathy and compassion, taking the hand of Simon's mother-in-law before healing her. We see how the healed lady expresses thanks by serving Him and His companions.
Many healings take place that day and He keeps busy till the evening. Again, He vanishes, seeking a place for prayer far away from the crowd and even from the disciples.
The disciples start to look for Him and they find the man praying. This is where we always find Jesus before or after any serious decision or performing miracles. He starts with the Father and returns to the Father.
Then He tells the disciples that He has to proclaim the Good News in other neighboring towns. Jesus is always on the go for the sake of the Kingdom!
Are we looking for Jesus today, not my Jesus that I woud like to have according to my wishes, but Jesus Himself, the REAL JESUS?
Where can I find Jesus today? There are three places where Jesus invites us to meet, dialogue, and grow in faith and witness--
-The Scriptures and mainly the Gospels, where He speaks to us directly, helping us to join knowledge with love, and through both, grow according to His will.
- In prayers, reflections and meditations, to listen, to go deeper and to plan our acts in conformity with His wisdom.
- Taking Holy Communion that reminds us that we are members of His Body and temples of the Holy Spirit, sent to spread the Good News and to witness for His presence, love and care for all.
With Jesus caring for the sick and the needy, let us keep the sick and the needy in our prayers and charitable acts. We are also invited to think about the quality of our prayers, and about the mission we are entrusted with to proclaim the Kingdom.
"Tell me how you pray; I'll tell you how live." Keep looking for Jesus, constantly!