February 5th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Fifth Sunday After Epiphany
Mark 1:29-39 (NRSV)
The healing of Peter's mother-in-law
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, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. 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, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to 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." And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

Reflection
They hunted him down! They hunted Jesus down when Jesus was praying. Jesus needed this time with the Father, but they hunted him down. But Jesus had heard the message of the Father. The journey continues, proclaim the message and keep on going.

We also need that time. Perhaps in the wee hours of the morning, or anytime of day that we can get away with God and pray, listen, search the Word, reflect or even just meditate on the direction the God chooses for our lives. We belong to God. We desire, as disciples to follow our Savior. We hunt for the gifts of the Spirit to put to use in our daily lives. We listen for the Father to give direction. We need this place, where it may be, that people will hunt us down like dogs. People are curious. What is he doing at 4 a.m.? Why then? What is happening at lunch with this guy?

But when Jesus was found, his mission was clear. ""He answered, "Let us go on..."" So off we go. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, I give you thanks for those special moments to stop and listen and pray and read your Word. But there is a time to go...before these people "hunt us down" --- Amen