Got Up and Served

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

For some people, serving others is a sign of having lower status and being a member of the "serving class." In Victorian England, they were those "below stairs." People of color, poor women and immigrants were those who served and continue to serve in this country. Yet for Simon's mother-in-law, it was a sign of gratitude and great joy. She was able to serve the Lord, the one who healed her. Often times, we forget that serving others in God's name is most honorable a role. During Lent, we might just relearn the great blessings of service, by, instead of giving up, we give and serve others with joy.

Wondrous Creator, you sent us your servants

Jesus came as human and lived with and like us

healing and honoring the least among the people

touching the hearts and souls of all he encountered.

We shun any role that would not assert our worthiness

we ignore those who serve us and treat them cruelly 

believing ourselves superior we show our foolishness

and cannot find healing in our isolated, lofty places.

Help us, Lord, to move daily towards humility

let our lives be focused on service and tender care

make us always ready to get up and serve others

so your love is made visible in our small offerings. Amen.