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Gospel Reading for January 15, 2025 – Mark 1: 29-39
UNLIKE GOD
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.
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“Everyone is looking for you.” This will sound very, very sweet to those who enjoy being in the limelight and who always seek the adulation of the crowd. They will want to stay longer and bask in their glory. But, NOT FOR JESUS. He did not come into the world to be popular or to be admired. Everything he did had something to do with his mission of salvation and not for personal glory. Otherwise, after healing a person, he would not have attributed their healing to their faith (Mark 5: 34). Otherwise, he would have allowed the demons to tell all and sundry that he was the Son of God.
This is a very good lesson for all of us, not only for those in the ministry of evangelization. It is UNLIKE GOD to enjoy being in the limelight and seek the adulation of the crowd. Since we are made in the image and likeness of God, this attitude, therefore, belongs to baser instincts that will keep us away from God.
Lord Jesus, you are the only one who can shine brightest in the world!
