Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time- Gospel Reflection

In today’s Gospel, we see Jesus heal the mother-in-law of Simon, one of his disciples. After word spread throughout town, more came to seek him out and be healed. We see the importance Jesus puts on prayer as he rises the next morning to go off to a deserted place. He didn’t stay and pray with them, he didn’t invite them to join, he knows how important one on one time with our Father is.

When his disciples do find him, we hear an important line from Jesus “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came to do.” (Mark 1:38).

What message? Well the message of the kingdom of God and our salvation of course. Although Jesus finds great joy in healing and being with the people, we must remember he was sent by God to fulfill a certain purpose. He needed to be on the move constantly in order to reach everyone in his short public ministry. 

We also see Jesus move onto neighboring towns, he doesn’t want to remain in one place. Symbolically he’s trying to show his message is for everyone. It isn’t reserved for the Israelites, Romans, Pagans, etc. God is here for everyone.

Christ humbled himself to enter into humanity, born amongst the poor and illiterate people. Ministered amongst lepers, cripples, and the possessed. Died at the hands of the Romans after being publically humiliated, yet people doubt if he loves us.

Have faith in God, for God is love, the only one who can love unconditionally. Live the faith, bring those who need healing to God.

God Bless,
Jonathan

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