Mission and Purpose

Attach and Detach.

29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. 31 So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33 The whole town gathered at the door, 34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.-Mark1:29-39

When we found a place that we call 'home,' sometimes it is difficult to let it go. Parents grieve over their children who must leave home to study, or marry or work somewhere else. It pains to leave a good job. It pains to leave a place that we learned to love. As I reflected in today's Gospel, I cannot help but wonder if Jesus felt at home in Simon's town. Remember that Jesus and His disciples are always traveling, perhaps sleeping on the road, eating leftover food. But when they stayed in Simon's house, there was possibly a bed for them, warm food and welcoming people. Perhaps it was nice to stay there, but Jesus was firm and focused in His mission and purpose - He was not born for a selected group of people only but to all mankind. What about us? If we know God's mission and purpose for us, are we willing to embrace and accept it even if it means leaving our comfortable life?

Image courtesy: Perfect Nature