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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 this passage from Mark, we have a window into a day in the life of Jesus. He begins by healing Simon’s mother-in-law, then heals many in a larger audience, transitions to private prayer, and continues his mission of preaching.
My first thought, honestly, was that he had quite the day! Looking again, however, his actions could serve as a model for how I could better frame my own day. My husband and I have triplet teenage daughters (and one high-maintenance puppy), so naturally, there are many needs throughout the day, including teaching all three how to drive.
While we try wholeheartedly to meet all needs, sometimes that is just not possible. When I read the words, “he cured many,” I was relieved that it said many, not all. There are very few days I can confidently say I’ve done it all. It is also a reminder that each time we can attentively help another, it is our opportunity to have Jesus with us, guiding us through our day.
Admittedly, I struggle with making time for reflection. I read how Jesus took the time to pray despite having a “whole town gathered at the door.” I believe he and all of us need that time to continue to serve not only God and our families, but ourselves as well.
Committed to making time for prayer and reflection, I switched up my morning routine. In the past, I spent 30 minutes between my and my girls’ alarms to scroll through social media and emails. Now, I open the FaithND email and read it thoughtfully. If I still have some time, I start a pot of coffee (ah, coffee!) and open a book previously collecting dust.
This simple change transformed my daily outlook, as only 30 minutes (aiming to add more!) became something to treasure. So that’s my offer to you: embrace quiet time just for yourself, whether in prayer, a book, or playtime with a pet. That time is your gift, and you deserve it.
Bend down, O Christ, and tend our wounds. Take us by the hand and lift us up. Your words and authority redeem and heal us. You offered Simon’s mother-in-law the grace of attentiveness. May your presence in the Eucharist continue to feed and heal us. Count us among those who seek you. Help us claim you in our silence. May our self-sufficiency give way to complete surrender of our hearts in the beauty of your merciful and tender love. Amen.
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