The Cure of Simon’s Mother-in-Law

Today's Reflections

The Cure of Simon’s Mother-in-Law

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Mk 1:29-39

²⁹On leaving the synagogue [Jesus] entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. ³⁰Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. ³¹He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them.

³²When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. ³³The whole town was gathered at the door. ³⁴He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.

³⁵Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. ³⁶Simon and those who were with him pursued him ³⁷and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” ³⁸He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” ³⁹So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

Reflection:

He went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. The Gospel describes a typically busy day for Jesus. After curing the man with an unclean spirit in the synagogue of Capernaum (Mk 1:21-28), he heals Peter’s mother-in-law, cures many others who are sick, and drives out demons. The following day, he again goes about preaching in synagogues and driving out many more demons.

But then note how very early in the morning he goes to a deserted place to pray alone. Jesus is never too busy to pray. After a tiring day, he makes time for intimate conversation with God. In prayer, Jesus is able to draw renewed strength from his Father.

Like Jesus, we should not be too busy to be alone with God in prayer.

Are we busier than Jesus?

 We will be wise to follow Jesus’ example