A Typical Day in the Life of Jesus [February 5, 2012]

The Sunday Gospel [February 5, 2012]

Mark 1:29-39

29On leaving the synagogue he entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. 30Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. 31He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them.

32When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. 33The whole town was gathered at the door. 34He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.

35Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. 36Simon and those who were with him pursued him 37and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” 39So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

Reflection

“Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.” ~ v. 35

Jesus certainly had a full day. With his first four chosen disciples in tow, he went into the synagogue and not only taught but cast out an unclean sprit. He next slipped away and healed Simon’s mother-in-law. Then, as soon as sunset marked the end of the Sabbath, a horde of people crowded around the doorstep begging Jesus to heal and deliver them. He extended himself to the whole crowd, touching each person with the power of God. Surely this exhausting ministry lasted beyond a normal bedtime.

We could certainly understand if Jesus burrowed under the covers the next morning. Instead, Mark tells us that Jesus rose in the wee hours and headed out to a deserted spot to spend time with his Father. Instead of assuming he knew what God wanted and how to accomplish it, he stopped and listened for God’s guidance. Out of that profound communion emerged clarity about his next step: It was time to preach to other villages.

That’s the way it was with the Lord: never a dull moment! Jesus was constantly on the move. Even his prayer was dynamic. He didn’t get up early just to enjoy a good sunrise and recite a few prayers. No, he was asking, seeking, and knocking. He was determined to discover his Father’s plan, and he was ready to make any adjustments he needed in order to stick to that plan.

Make no mistake. Jesus was active, not just busy. Like a runner crouched at the starting block, his prayer was one of active waiting, not passive wandering. That’s what God wants for us as well. There’s a kingdom to be built. There are people to evangelize and ministries to advance. The hungry need feeding, the wounded need comfort, and the confused need direction. What part does God want you to play? Seek him in prayer and you’ll find out.

Source: The Reflection is from Bro. Abel Navarro (you can visit his blog at http://myblogabelnavarroabel.blogspot.com/).