Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Blogging toward Sunday

The Lectionary readings for this Sunday include: Isaiah 40:21-31 and Mark 1:29-39

Last week we witnessed Jesus in the synagogue teaching with authority and healing a man with an unclean spirit. News of the success of Jesus' ministry is traveling like wild fire. No surprise there!  In today's reading we pick up where we left off last week. "As soon as they left the synagogue; they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John." The healing ministry of Jesus continues as Jesus learns that Simon's mother-in-law is in bed with a fever. Jesus takes her by the hand, and lifts her up. She is healed and responds by serving Jesus and others who are there. That evening the whole city gathers outside to see what Jesus is doing. He cures many who are sick and casts out many demons. Then, we are told, Jesus goes out to a deserted place to pray early, early in the morning.

I invite you to sit with this reading from the Gospel of Mark. You might like to nestle in your favorite chair or even go outside on this lovely day. Slowly read the Scripture, aloud or silently. What do you draw from this first reading? What jumps out at you? About what would you like to know more? Consider jotting down your thoughts. 

Then, prayerfully read the text a second time, but now imagine that you are Simon's mother-in-law. How do you experience the reading as a person healed by Jesus? How do you respond? 

Finally, read through the text one final time imagining that you are Simon Peter. You witness Jesus healing your mother-in-law. You see all those people crowding at the door. Everyone is abuzz with what is happening in your home town. But in the morning when you look around for Jesus, he has disappeared. What are your thoughts and feelings about what is happening all around you? 

I hope this time of reflection will feed your thoughts and prayers as you journey toward Sunday. I look forward to seeing you in worship. Until then, may you experience the joy and peace of Christ's presence in your life.

Blessings,
Glenda 

No comments:

Post a Comment