Gospel: 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.
The Gospel of the Lord.
The Mass intention is for Intentions of God’s Holy Servants.
Reflection:
Paulino and Pilar were physicians. They had a busy schedule looking after their family, tending the sick, and serving in the parish. Despite their busy schedule, they were still able to attend daily Mass. In today’s Gospel, we witness how Jesus had a busy day. After teaching and healing in the synagogue, He went to Simon Peter’s house to heal his mother-in-law. In the evening, sick or possessed people were brought to Him to be cured. Does Jesus have time for Himself? “Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.” Prayer, being in communion with God, is a hallmark of Jesus’ ministry. Down through the ages, His followers have done the same. If we wish to follow Jesus, let us be a prayerful community.
- How often do you pray?
- How does prayer influence your work and your ministry in the parish?
- “Our prayer is the love we have for each other. It is not just the hours spent daily in choir singing the psalms, praying the liturgy, reading the Word, or in silence, adoring the Lord. It is the repairing in love of the brokenness of society which we carry within ourselves, bearing one another’s burdens for the love of God.” (Poor Clare Colettine sisters) How does your prayer allow Jesus to heal society?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Grant us the grace to make time for prayer so that we may continue Your saving work in the world. Amen.
