February 4, 2018: Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading:

On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with fever.
They immediately told him about her. He approached her, 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 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 is the purpose have I come.”
So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee. (Mark 1:29-39)

Reflection:

I was caught with the phrase “Everyone is looking for you.” And three parts of this story stood out — curing, teaching and praying. We are each given gifts in these areas — they may not be as dramatic as the gifts of Jesus, but they are the ones we have been given.
Each of us can be a healing presence to someone in need, whatever the need — physical, spiritual or emotional. Each of us can give the time to listen to someone searching for an answer and share our own story of faith to help them see God’s love for them; and each of us can certainly take the time to pray on a daily basis by sitting quietly with our Lord and talking to him.

Action:

This week take time to see the people you encounter. Listen to their voices and hear what they say. Be present to them — Is this a time to cure, teach or even pray? Sometimes just our smile is a cure, or an answer to a question or even a prayer. Thank God for his presence with you and use your gift. Give thanks afterward for being aware of the time spent using this gift, “doing” with our Lord. — however small it may seem.