Mark 1:29-45

“See that you say nothing to any one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to the people. But he went out and began to talk freely about it and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.”

The first chapter of Mark talks about the many miracles Jesus performed as he healed people. As a medical person I do believe in miracles. I have seen people healed and we could not find a valid scientific reason why they improved. I also firmly believe that as we care for people we can definitely “heal” a person without “curing” the disease or condition. A smile, a touch, a conversation, a meal, a prayer or just being with someone can make a world of difference to a person who is ill or hurting. I cannot explain Jesus’ miracles but I do not feel that I must understand exactly what happened to the leper or Simon’s mother-in-law. Jesus healed these people with love and caring which is much more powerful than drugs or surgery. Why did Jesus want to keep his miracles quiet? Was he overwhelmed with crowds and illness? Was he tired and exhausted? Did he feel that preaching was more important that healing? Although he chose the country instead of towns, people still came. At this point, I see Jesus as a man, tired and desiring rest. He can no longer move about freely. His path has taken an unexpected turn.   In our daily lives, our direction in life does not always work out as we had planned. Hopefully, we will find contentment in the new direction as we follow Jesus’s plan.

Gracious God, Give us guidance, give us direction, and fill us with love and mercy as we attempt to follow the example of your precious son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

~Ann