Mark 1:32-34 “in a snailshell”
Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
©️2022 by Gloria M. Chang
On leaving the synagogue he entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them.
When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.
Mark 1:29-34
Christ’s Healing Power
Out of respect for the sabbath laws, the “whole city” (polis) waited until sundown to seek Jesus at the house of Simon and Andrew. After Jesus had cast out an unclean spirit in the synagogue, news about his healing power quickly spread throughout the region of Galilee. Meanwhile, Jesus cured Simon’s mother-in-law of a fever in the privacy of her home.
Demons Silenced
The Lord of the Sabbath brought shalom to his people by fulfilling, not overriding, the life-giving law. As in the earlier episode in the synagogue, Jesus silenced the demons, refusing testimony from cold intellects devoid of love. Truth without love leads not to Christ but to godless rebellion.
Peter and the Church
People all over the world now gather at the door of St. Peter, the Church, seeking the healing power of Christ through the Word and sacraments, especially the Eucharist. Simon’s hospitality prepared him to be the keeper of Christ’s treasures on earth.
The whole city gathered at Peter’s door
Together, Jesus’ healing to implore.