In today’s Gospel we see Jesus at the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law has a fever. Without hesitation, Jesus goes to her, takes her hand, and helps her up. The fever leaves her instantly, and she begins to serve them. This is a clear demonstration of Jesus’s healing power. He didn’t need to say a word or perform any elaborate rituals. He simply took her hand, and the fever left her. This is the Savior we seek—one who has the power to heal and restore.
Jesus’s healing power is not limited to physical ailments. In the same passage, we see that people brought to Him all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door. Jesus healed many who had various diseases and drove out many demons. This shows us that no matter what our problem is—whether it’s a physical disease, a spiritual affliction, or any other kind of trouble—Jesus has the power to heal and deliver us.
But Jesus’s authority goes beyond just healing diseases and driving out demons. He also silenced the demons because they knew who He was. This shows us that Jesus has authority over all spiritual forces. When we seek Him, we find not only healing but also deliverance from the powers of darkness.
After ministering to the sick and oppressed, Jesus rises early in the morning to pray. His commitment to prayer is a model for us. In the midst of His busy ministry, He prioritizes communion with the Father. As believers, we must follow His example. Prayer is our lifeline, our connection to the source of all power and wisdom.
Jesus’s purpose is clear: “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” His mission is to proclaim the good news of salvation. As followers of Christ, we are called to spread this message. Our lives should reflect His love, grace, and truth. We are His ambassadors, carrying the message of hope to a hurting world.
How shall we fulfil our role as ambassadors in the forthcoming week? Let us work hard to develop the kingdom of God in our own hearts and in those of others. Amen.
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you
And with your spirit.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (1:29-39)
Glory to you, O Lord
On leaving the synagogue, Jesus went with James and John straight to the house of Simon and Andrew. Now Simon’s mother-in-law had gone to bed with fever, and they told him about her straightaway. He went to her, took her by the hand and helped, her up. And the fever left her and she began to wait on them.
That evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were sick and those who were possessed by devils. The whole town came crowding round the door, and he cured many who were suffering from diseases of one kind or another; he also cast out many devils, but he would not allow them to speak, because they knew who he was.
In the morning, long before dawn, he got up and left the house, and went off to a lonely place and prayed there. Simon and his companions set out in search of him, and when they found him they said, ‘Everybody is looking for you.’
He answered, ‘Let us go elsewhere, to the neighbouring country towns, so that I can preach there too, because that is why I came.’
And he went all through Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out devils.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.