Today's gospel passage (Mk 1:29-39) shows us that Jesus didn't just talk the talk; he also walked the walk. He had taught the people in the synagogue with authority. His words caught their attention, but even more than his words, his actions made them stop and pay attention.
Even when he left the synagogue after having addressed the crowd, he continued to teach, but this time through his actions: he went to visit the home of Simon and Andrew and healed Simon's mother-in-law who was there, suffering (cf Mk 1:30-31). Later that day, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons and he cured many who were sick (Mk 1:32, 34). Jesus shows us the importance not only of remaining focused on him, but allowing him to teach us - by his own words and example - how to put our faith into action.
How do we learn to follow in his footsteps? The answer is to do as he did: Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed (Mk 1:35). We too must find time every day for prayer. It doesn't have to be a long time but it is important that we take time to be present to Jesus and to allow him to be present to us. When we do, we will be more and more aware of the ways in which he wants to use us as his instruments so that through us, He can bring healing and restore peace.
Another sign that the work we do is not ours but His is the fact that Jesus never sought rewards or recognition from human beings in response to the miracles he performed. We too should not seek after rewards or recognition in response to the acts of kindness that we offer to others. Instead, we should always be willing to do as he did: to go to nearby villages - even to the peripheries of civilization - so that Christ's gospel can be preached there too (cf Mk 1:38).
Have a great day.
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