Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Gospel Reading: 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.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is presented as the solution to all that ails us. He is in the house of Peter and his mother-in-law is sick. Jesus reaches out to heal her from her sickness. After being freed from her affliction the Gospel tells us that she was able to serve God. Her infliction kept her from taking care of and honoring Christ.  Once relieved from her illness, she was able to serve our Lord. After seeing this great work, they bring to Jesus all who are sick or possessed with demons. Again, Jesus reaches out and cures them of the things in their lives that afflict them. How many times are we afflicted with things that trouble our lives or demons that possess us? Jesus tells us to bring our troubles to him and he will free us from our afflictions and those things that prevent us from serving him. We must be willing to freely give up what keeps us from walking with Christ. We must be willing to humble ourselves before him. Not only does Christ restore us, he gives us the strength we need to serve others.  After performing the miracles, Jesus goes off to a private place to pray and communicate with his Father. Peter follows him saying, “Everyone is searching for you.” And Jesus replies, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” If you are searching for God, he is there. Reach out in prayer with your problems and your afflictions for this is why he came. With Christ in your life, you can now go out to other villages to serve God.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, I am burdened with many troubles

I offer these problems up to you

That you may restore me and free me from my demons

So that I may serve you, my Lord and Master.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon