'That is why I came'

 Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time Year B - 7th February 2021

Gospel Mark 1: 29–39

On leaving the synagogue, Jesus went with James and John straight to the house of Simon and Andrew. Now Simon’s mother-in-law had gone to bed with fever, and they told him about her straight away. He went to her, took her by the hand and helped her up. And the fever left her and she began to wait on them.

That evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were sick and those who were possessed by devils. The whole town came crowding round the door, and he cured many who were suffering from diseases of one kind or another; he also cast out many devils, but he would not allow them to speak, because they knew who he was.

In the morning, long before dawn, he got up and left the house, and went off to a lonely place and prayed there. Simon and his companions set out in search of him, and when they found him they said, ‘Everybody is looking for you.’ He answered, ‘Let us go elsewhere, to the neighbouring country towns, so that I can preach there too, because that is why I came.’ And he went all through Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out devils.

Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

In the same way that Jesus would go off to a lonely place to pray, I go to my own place of prayer, and in the silence of my inner being I bring myself into the presence of our loving God. It may help to focus on a candle or holy image, or perhaps I simply follow the movement of my breath within me.

When I feel ready, I read the Gospel passage slowly. What am I drawn to after my first reading?

Reading the Gospel as many times as I need, I use my imagination to try to enter more deeply into the events unfolding in Galilee. I may choose to be a disciple ... or someone in desperate need of healing.

What would it be like to receive the compassion of Jesus so directly?

Can I imagine how Jesus himself might have been feeling among so many people in need of his healing presence?

What do I see in Jesus as he goes off to pray alone?

I share with him all that has come up in my prayer, and listen to his wisdom. I bring my prayer to a close making a slow sign of the cross.

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