11 January, 2023 -- Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

 Gospel Mk 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.

Reflection: 

In the midst of His preaching, healing, casting out demons, the Gospel recounts that Jesus often goes off to a quiet place to be energised by the exchange of perfect and mutual love He shares with the Father. Apart from the physical exertion of moving from place to place amidst the heat, dusty roads, the smell of sweats of the infirmed homeless; Jesus might have felt lack of human affirmation even among His closest kin, wearing Him out emotionally. Jesus teaches us an important lesson on how and where to replenish our body and soul and Simon’s mother-in- law demonstrated to us that the wellbeing of our spirit is best manifested in our willingness to serve those in need.

Action Plan:

 Visit the sick relative, friend or neighbour and offer some help to lessen their trouble. Find some quiet moments of personal prayer in the morning or evening time.

Read and Reflect👉📚