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. Mark 1:29-45
Serving is considered a menial task, often underpaid and underappreciated in our present society. For generations women were expected to prepare and serve meals as well as clean up after them, Norms have changed and most women would balk at being expected to serve. Yet, we are hearing a story from a different time which somehow breaks through to our present lives. Jesus came and served. And Simon's mother-in-law was deathly ill. When she was healed by Jesus, she wanted to serve. Not because it was expected of her. Rather, it was her offer of love and gratitude. May we find ways to serve, showing our love and gratitude for our Creator who heals us all.
Loving Creator, heart of all life
you shape us all as soft clay
you build us up with gentle hands
and strengthen us in the fires of life.
We often balk at the simple chores
yet you washed disciples' feet
you heal the most broken among us
and restore the wicked and the righteous.
May we have the strength to love as you do
ready to serve with gratitude and love
being the first to get up and care for those
who need to see your love living in us today. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment