Prayer and Healing

 

 Mk 1:29-39

Jesus Heals Many

²⁹ As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. ³⁰ Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. ³¹ So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

³² That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. ³³ The whole town gathered at the door, ³⁴ and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place

³⁵ Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. ³⁶ Simon and his companions went to look for him, ³⁷ and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

³⁸ Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” ³⁹ So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

Out of the goodness of his heart and love for Peter, Jesus did no hesitate the heal his mother-in-law and the many who came later to be healed, yet he rose early and took time to go apart to pray. When Peter found him, Jesus resumed his mission of preaching, driving out demons and, we assume, healing. He was focused on the needs of the people and devoted his time to meeting them. We can safely say there was not a selfish bone in his body and that he certainly used his gifts to serve OTHERS. We don't have to be geniuses to realize that this is our calling too as disciples of Jesus: to use our gifts for the benefit of others, and to do so effectively, prayer must be a key part of our day. May God give us the grace to accomplish our mission.

Bro. Rene

Dear Jesus, you effectively healed and taught. Help me to continue this effective pattern as best I can. Amen.