Jan 11 2006

Mk 1:29-39 On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, 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 was 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 purpose have I come.” So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.
The ministry of Jesus has begun and many are healed. Simon's mother-in-law begins to wait on Jesus immediately after she is healed. Many seek Jesus for healing. The next day in the early morning before sunrise, Jesus goes to a deserted place to pray. Jesus goes to the nearby towns in all of Galilee. He preaches and tells Simon "for this purpose have I come." The healing power of Jesus reaches out to the people and they all respond and come to him, the whole town gathered at the door where he was. Jesus prays in a deserted place in the early morning. There is a stillness in the early morning before dawn and a silence that is a wonderful support for prayer. I pray this morning for healing from Jesus in my body, mind and spirit and that I may carry the love and healing of Jesus to others.