A reflection on Mark 1:29-39
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
©2024 Gloria M. Chang
On leaving the synagogue Jesus 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.
Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.
Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.
Mark 1:29-39
Kyrios Iesous
Fully God and fully man, Jesus healed the infirm without herbs or medicine. A mere word from the man of prayer opened the eyes of the blind, the ears of the deaf, and scattered his demonic foes. Kyrios Iesous! Jesus is Lord!
Healing by day and praying by night,
The Son of God put demons to flight.
Traditional Chinese Translation
《豈只是一個醫師》
白天治病，晚上祈禱，
神的兒子驅趕惡魔。
Fever gone and feeling better,
Peter’s mother-in-law,
Ready to serve, gets up,
Follows example of her Healer.
Her Christ like hospitality
Never lets up.
In using the Greek word for “serve” meaning is enhanced.
“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”” ( Mat 20:25-28, NASB) The word rendered here and in today’s Gospel “servant” is derived from the Greek word “diakonos”, which means servant. From this we get our word “deacon.” This is willing service not a slave service which is imposed.
In the homily I heard this morning, the meaning was expanded beyond being a kitchen slave but one who wants to show hospitality. Small acts of daily life can be done with great love. Peter’s mother-in-law’s role is upheld as valuable. God is found among the kitchen pots and pans!
Thank you for your beautiful reflections, Ellen!