Jesus heals many people: Mark 1:29-34
Imaginative Contemplation
Jesus left the Synagogue with James and John and joined Peter and Andrew at Peter’s house. How important to me are my friends and family? Do I take time to spend with them?
How did Peter feel when Jesus turned up at his place, knowing that his mother-in-law would not be able to provide for them?
Peter’s mother-in-law was sick. Peter told Jesus about her. Do I speak to Jesus when things get difficult? And how do I react when people tell me their troubles?
Jesus went into the lady’s room, took her by the hand and healed her. She immediately got up and began to wait on them. Am I grateful for the little and not so little healings in my life? Am I prepared to serve others if and when I am well enough to do so?
A large crowd gathered outside Peter’s house, begging Jesus to heal people of diseases and mental illness. How do I feel when I am called to work long hours or to be present to people when I am tired or over-worked?
Enter into the scene
After a busy morning in the Synagogue, I went with Jesus to Simon’s house, where we found his mother-in-law sick with a fever. Peter was distressed because he had been relying on her to provide lunch for all of us. What was he to do now? I took Jesus aside and told him about the problem. He looked up, thanked me and asked to see the sick lady. Jesus took her by the hand and helped her to stand. Her flushed face calmed, and her energy was restored. Immediately, she went to the kitchen to prepare the meal for us.
In the late evening, many people brought their needy relatives and friends in the hope that Jesus would cure them. Many were healed of physical and mental illnesses. Jesus placed his hands on many of the visitors, making a personal connection with each one. They were not just numbers to him; they were valued unique persons. What an inspiration Jesus is to all of us!
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
After being made well again, Peter’s mother-in-law prepared the meal for the visitors. Good health is not just a gift for ourselves, but enables us to serve others. Am I ready to go out of my way to serve others?
After the Sabbath, the people brought those who needed healing to Jesus. They kept the Law, even though it could have meant that Jesus would have moved on. How important is the Law for me? Can I see the difference between the letter of the Law and the spirit which inspires it?
Do I recognise each needy person as a unique child of God, calling for my acceptance and compassion?
Prayer
Lord, open my heart to embrace all people no matter what their disability, illness, status, race or religion. May I recognise your universal parenthood as I pray
Our Father who are in heaven, hallowed be your name. Amen.