Lenten Reflection for February 16

Mark 1:29-45

 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 sunset, 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.

A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, ‘If you choose, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’ Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, saying to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.’ But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.

 Reflection by Bob Jackson:

Much of this passage in Mark describes people seeking out Jesus for healing, and with their faith in him, Jesus is able to heal them. This passage is of particular interest to me, as I have long felt the need in my life for healing. I find myself both happy for them, and sad for myself, having missed his healing. Have I too little faith? Am I beyond redemption?

I feel the need to be healed of the demons from my past. I have worked to leave behind what I can of these, to forgive where I am able. The forgiveness I fail is forgiving myself, for allowing others to do to me what they have done,  feeling I did not stand up for myself well enough. This is the healing I ask of Jesus, the healing I have not been able to do by myself. I am not jealous of the healing of others, nor envious. I am joyful for them.

In my heart of hearts, I know that healing is possible, through Jesus’ love. I also know that there is work I must do, not to earn healing, but to let Jesus’ love in, to let his healing in, to accept his healing and to finally let go of my past and embrace a future with Jesus. It is up to me to take the first step, to truly seek healing, and to be ready and willing to accept Jesus’ healing into my life, with all it entails. I pray for the strength and courage to take this step.