“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
In Scripture, we see a cycle of Jesus’ healings. He heals the masses and then departs to a deserted place to pray, but what is the beginning of each cyclical wave? Is it the healing, or is it the retreat to prayer? God allows us to see this cycle over and over in Scripture so we will recognize it in our lives.
Christ calls us into the desert to be alone with Him. His call often comes through the onset of illness or turmoil. He doesn’t cause the disease or the calamity; instead, He uses them to bring us into that desert, where He is waiting. In that tragedy, the rest of the world passes away, and we focus on what is truly important: we focus on Him.
Before every healing, there was a desert of disease or malformation. Before each exorcism, there was a desert of torment. In those deserted places, the people are called to be alone with the Lord. In the deserted place, we converse with the Father, are strengthened by the Spirit, and meet Jesus, who was there already ahead of us, waiting to lead us back to life.
Saint Arnold Janssen, pray for us.
Click on the link for the Daily Reading. Jesus, I trust in you.