Mark 1:29-39

On leaving the synagogue he 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.

Opening Prayer: Lord, as I reflect on your words, allow me to experience the healing power of your presence. Help me trust that you take care of me and the people I love. 

Encountering Christ:

1. He Entered the House: The Apostles accompanied Jesus while he was teaching in the synagogue, but this day was different from others because Jesus was about to give them a unique blessing: He planned to enter their house. When Christ asks to enter our reality, there isn’t an aspect that he fears, that he shuns, or that he doesn’t care about. He already knows our darkest recesses and loves us anyway. Why are we sometimes tempted to block his entrance to certain “rooms” in our life? Fear of rejection? Fear of exposure? Fear of loss of control? Fear of suffering? When we acknowledge and deeply reflect on who is asking to enter, our fears melt away. 

2. Approached, Grasped, Helped: Jesus’s first action upon entering the house was to cure Simon’s mother-in-law. This miracle was able to happen because the woman allowed herself to be the recipient of Jesus’s love. It often requires more humility and trust to let Jesus take care of our problems than it does to try to solve them on our own. Jesus wants to be wanted. Jesus desires that we ask. “Ask, and you will receive” (Matthew 7:7). He is constantly reaching out to each of us with his healing presence. We simply respond in faith to receive his blessings. 

3. For This Purpose Have I Come: Throughout the Gospels, Christ revealed his dedication to the mission his Father entrusted to him. He saw sickness as an opportunity to extend the healing touch of God and did not hesitate to enter into others’ suffering. We are called to imitate Christ in this willingness to offer a helping hand, to empathize with others who suffer, and to be his healing presence to others. We fulfill our purpose–to be Christ to others–when we first allow him to enter and possess our hearts.

Conversing with Christ: Lord, help me remember the power of your presence within me. May I be your healing presence to others. Give me the certainty that I am sent with you, by the Father, into this world. There is no darkness or difficulty that cannot be overcome by your grace.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will seek out someone who needs to be touched by you and do my best to serve them, for your glory.

For Further Reflection: Scene from The Chosen, episode 8: Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law.