Gospel Reading: MARK 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 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 ere sick with various diseases, and he drove cut 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 A DESERTED PLACE, WHERE HE PRAYED. FROM MORNING TO EVENING
Jesus is immersed in his ministry – healing, preaching, and casting out evil spirits. We can imagine how tired he must be from all this, what with the great number of people who flock to him. His is a ministry of compassion, healing and liberation.
Still, Jesus does not allow himself to be overwhelmed by his work, for he always takes time to be alone and commune with the Father in prayer. These are moments of “rest” and renewal for him, of praise and thanksgiving to the Father for the mission.
At the end of the day, when we are tired from our work and ministry, do we find refuge in communing with God? Or do we allow our tasks to dictate and control our lives? Becoming workaholic results from being driven only by human success and praise and nor by the realization that God sends us on mission. With balance in work and prayer, we can face any outcome – success or failure – with greater faith, we can face any outcome – success or failure – with greater faith, knowing that we are only cooperating with God.
Do we leave space for prayer and recreation in our daily routine? If not, what keeps us from doing so?
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2017,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
