Jesus preaches and heals in Galilee: Mark1:35-45

Imaginative Contemplation

Long before dawn, Jesus got up, left the house and found a quiet place outside the town where he prayed. What was the weather like as Jesus left the house? Why was he looking for a quiet place? Can you imagine how Jesus prayed? Did he use words, or was he silent?

Jesus ‘got up’. Was it hard to get up in the middle of the night?
His disciples came looking for him. How did they know where to go?
They said, “Everyone is looking for you.” How did Jesus react to that?

Jesus said that he had come to preach in all of the surrounding towns, and so he set out for the neighbouring villages. He taught the people. What did he teach?

The validity of Jesus’ preaching was proved by the miracle she worked. How did the local people respond to his actions? A leper begged Jesus to heal him. He said, “If you want to, you can make me clean.” “I do want to!” replied Jesus. “Be clean.” At once the man was cured. How did Jesus deal with interruptions in his life? Notice how the man approached Jesus. What emotions were obvious in Jesus and the sick man?

 

Enter into the scene

It was a calm night. I heard some noise in the adjacent room where Jesus was sleeping. I wondered what was going on. Then I heard the outside door close softly. I suspected that Jesus was leaving the house. Where was he going?

I got up and dressed quickly. Yes, I could hear him walking along the gravelled path that led to the hillside. He turned around and waited for me to catch up with him.

‘I couldn’t sleep,’ he said. ‘A lot happened, and I need to reflect on the day. Here under the stars in the calm of the night, I can connect with my Father in the silence of my heart and the silence of the trees. Come and join me. Just sit, breathe and be present.’ I felt so grateful to be here, silent and attentive, after the busyness of the past days.

But the peace didn’t last. I could hear footsteps and voices clearly in the silent meadow. Oh yes, here comes Peter! Why can’t he leave us alone? But Jesus was calm, answering their questions and revealing his plan for the next few days. I felt angry that we had been disturbed, but Jesus seemed quite ready to move on, living in the present moment, following where the Father is leading. Oh, how I wish I could be so placid when I am interrupted!

For further reflection

Discuss with Jesus the following points:

  • Do I make prayer a priority in my life?

  • Do I find it hard to ‘Get up’? Do I procrastinate?

  • Am I prepared to move on when I am called to a new mission?

  • Do I want to make people better? How can I do that? By prayer? Listening to them? Being with them? Helping them materially?

Prayer

Lord, teach me to be generous with my prayer, my time, my talents. Be my Companion along your way. Amen.