November 20, 2022
Gospel – January 15, 2020 – Mark 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.
Isn’t it amazing, this first day of Jesus and his apostles?
He calls them. They drop everything and follow him.
They promptly go to the synagogue where Jesus reads from the scrolls and then preaches . . . and casts out a demon.
They then go to Simon’s home where they find the sick mother in law. And Jesus – with a simple touch – raises her and she’s healed.
Then after the meal the town is camped at the door with all the sick and possessed. It doesn’t say how he healed them all but it took a while. He was known to heal with a touch – remember the young leper? I like to imagine Jesus touching each of them and they’re healed.
Jesus didn’t need machines – he needed to touch – to become one with the sick.
And after this day – this hectic day – he goes before dawn to a quiet place to pray. Find your quiet place and leave the world behind and just commune with God.
I like this Jesus.
At least that’s what I heard Him say…
What I Heard Him Say 