Jesus came to . . . . . .

      There is a great deal to unpack here in today's passage from Mark. Right up front there is the clear and indisputable notation that Peter, ( the would be head of the 'Church' and 'Pope' ) is a married man. So much for that tradition - out the door.

       Then I see this poor woman who is laying ill in her own home when her son comes around with at least 4 of his friends which includes Jesus. Right from her sickbed she is cured and pressed into service. That is, she began to serve them as a good person would if friends came to visit.

        The story does not end here though because the reading speaks of multiple cures and the 'whole city' came to be outside this house. Quite a crowd. Jesus preaches and cures.  I suppose that is a fundamental basis of his ministry and the message here. Jesus speaks to US, teaches us by parable and especially example, and cure us of our ills. Isn't that what Jesus came to do? Cures come in many, many forms and in it's widest depth and breadth, Jesus cures us all and that is why he came. Whether you want to say He cures us of original sin or cures us from leprosy or alcoholism or selfishness or hedonism or whatever, Jesus came to cure us. The answer is The Way, His way, the way of God.

        The Way of God is all about love, compassion, hospitality, welcoming, forgiving, loving and it is outward focused to all, not just a few. It is our neighbor, again, in it's broadest senses.

         The other cute little snippet that you may have missed here is the note that Jesus went out early in the morning, before sunrise, and went to a quiet place.  I think that is a crucial point. We have to be able to listen and hear above the noises of the world. We need to have time to listen, even to ourselves. We have time aside. Sequester ourselves for self reflection, examination and time to sit and appreciate ourselves and the created world.  Quiet time that is not afforded us in this hustle bustle world filled with materialism and endless noises and beeps.

       Our self reflection and resulting thankfulness is a strong foundation for the service we are called to. So for peaceful reflection, time alone and listening for the voice of God in our lives, I pray.

Mark 1:29-45

As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, ‘Everyone is searching for you.’ He answered, ‘Let us go on to the neighbouring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.’ And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, ‘If you choose, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, saying to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.’ But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesuscould no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.