Reflection - Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
After healing the man possessed by an unclean spirit, Jesus leaves the synagogue and goes to Simon’s house where Simon’s mother in law is ill with fever.
Powerful incidents are happening, which will not be forgotten by the society in Galilee. For example, it is unusual that a man possessed by an evil spirit was allowed into the synagogue because they thought that evil spirits caused chaos wherever they went.
Secondly, Jesus healed the man on the Sabbath, and this action though wonderful, was against the law. Jesus was claiming authority in doing this and repeats the healing again later on.
This is asking for trouble but he doesn’t seem to be worried. His urgency is in telling the people that the reign of God has come and the destruction of evil is at hand.
Jesus then heals Simon’s mother in law with a touch of his hand and she is restored to health at that moment. Note this is a healing touch; no words are said as with the possessed man. After the Sabbath day is over the people converge on the house bringing their sick for Jesus to heal them.
We are social beings and we need connection with others. How many people never receive a loving touch which is also a healing touch?
To this day people will go anywhere to find a cure or a healing for their maladies or those of their families or friends. Jesus starts his ministry with two healing incidents, one for a man, the other for a woman. Sickness or illness leading to death is a cause for atheism. It attracts followers because their prayers or desires are not answered. Here is a mystery without easy answers but we know Jesus understands our human condition.
Once again, Mark relates how Jesus had the authority to exorcise evil spirits; they knew who he was and the people did not. He had the authority to command them to be silent. We ask ourselves – this must lead to a serious confrontation.
Obviously, the reign of God involves healing people and performing these actions with authority. The reign of God is opposed to evil and as we have already heard, no one has ever spoken so eloquently as this man. This man is the key. At this stage, the question is not, who is Jesus? But, what does he do?
This is the first time that Mark describes Jesus’ habit of getting up early and going to a solitary place to pray. We learn, not here, that he praying to the Father when he goes apart to pray.
Simon and his companions looked for him and it would seem were somewhat exasperated that after making such a huge impression the night before, they would expect him to be there in the morning! But they had to find him!
Jesus doesn’t care! He tells them it is time for him to go and preach in other towns in Galilee because that is why he came! The plan is unfolding and will pick up steam.
Columban Fr Gary Walker is currently living at the Columban house in Sandgate, Brisbane.
