Participate in the mission
From today’s Scripture: “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…”—Mk 1:32-34
There’s a lot in today’s gospel. Jesus cures Peter’s mother-in-law, and then cures the various ailments of those in the town. But in the midst of the gospel, there is one phrase that jumps out to me–“they brought to him all who were ill or possessed.” Jesus is doing the actual curing, but it is the Apostles that bring the news of Peter’s mother-in-law and physically bring the others to Jesus. They are not passive observers. The gospel reading then ends with Jesus stating “Let us go to the nearby villages” – not I must go to the nearby villages. Jesus is expecting us to be a part of his mission. He could do it by himself, but he is calling us to walk with Him.
How often do we find ourselves passively observing people in pain, or how often do we make an effort to bring those people to Jesus as the Apostles did so many years ago?
Let us pray: Jesus, help me to remember that I’m not to passively observe the pains in the world but to actively bring people to you for healing.
Today’s author is Mike Schneider, Glenmary’s former Treasurer and Chief Administrator.
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