Gospel: 1:29–39
On leaving the synagogue, Jesus went to the home of Simon and Andrew with James and John. As Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with fever, they immediately told him about her. Jesus went to her and,
taking her by the hand, raised her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. That evening at sundown, people brought to Jesus all the sick and those who had evil spirits: the whole town was pressing
around the door. Jesus healed many who had various diseases, and drove out many demons; but he did not let them speak, for they knew who he was. Very early in the morning, before daylight,
Jesus went off to a lonely place where he prayed. Simon and the others went out also, searching for him; and when they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” Then Jesus answered, “Let us go
to the nearby villages so that I may preach there too; for that is why I came.” So Jesus set out to preach in all the synagogues throughout Galilee; he also cast out demons.

REFLECTION:

Jesus’ life is characterized by many movements. One of that is lifting others as well as lifting Himself high to God in prayer.
When He came to Simon Peter’s house, he lifted the latter’s mother-inlaw to health and wholeness. He will do this to so many
people in His lifetime. The following day, He spent the early hours lifting Himself to His Father in prayer. No wonder He is strong.
He also seeks people and in the same breath, people also seek Him out. He invites His disciple to go to the neighboring towns
and villages that He may also preach to them. Yet, people also look for Him. They come in droves whenever they hear Him nearby.
Thus lifting up and seeking out are the two movements that characterizes Jesus in this gospel. May we have our own movements in life that
eventually lead us to Jesus as we lift ourselves up to Him in prayer, and to humanity as we seek them out in loving service.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2021