The Gospel Proclamation 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 ... they brought to him all who were sick .... 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 ... he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. ... “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also, for that is what I came out to do.....
Gaze at Jesus’ Sonship St. Mark makes special mention of a series of healings and driving out of many demons. Of the healings the curing of Simon’s mother-in-law is given priority. What do all these tell us of Christ and His attitude towards sick people and people “who had demons”? With a word, a simple touch or using simple things in nature He performed these miracles. The results were instantaneous. What next? He wanted the person cured to be back at work in His kingdom, proclaim the Good News and be a witness - “The fever left her and she began to wait on Him” (Mark 1:31) In all this He kept His identity secret. “He would not let the demons say anything, because they knew who He was”. (Mark 1:34). Jesus foresees the plans that were just taking root in people’s minds. They were about to make Him the king - a political one. This, He knew, was against the Will and plan of His Father. So He reveals His future plans to His disciples.
Gaze at my sonship Jesus often draws apart to pray in solitude, on a mountain, preferably at night. He includes all men in His prayer, for He has taken on humanity in His Incarnation, and He offers them to the Father when He offers Himself. Jesus, the Word who has become flesh, shares by His human prayer in all that “His brethren” experience. He sympathizes with their weaknesses in order to free them. It was for this that the Father sent Him. His words and works are the visible manifestation of His prayer in secret. (C.C.C. 2602)
Prayer Starter Help me to be an ardent follower bearing the Cross You give me ... without grumbling.
