Jesus is merciful to everyone

Heb. 2:14-18, Mk 1:29-39. In today's first reading, the writer to the Hebrews emphasises that since Jesus shared in our human nature, we become the children of God. To be effective our merciful High Priest, Jesus had to become our brother in every way. He was tested through life as we are, but remained “without sin” (Heb. 4:15). In today's Gospel, the merciful side of our Lord is also seen when Jesus visits the home of Peter’s mother-in-law by taking her by the hand and lifting her up and goes on to heal many sick people who were brought to the door of the house. This healing activity was in public and greatly appreciated by everyone; the whole town came crowding around the door.

In the morning, long before dawn, Jesus gets up early to seek for a quite place where He can pray and have fellowship with the Father. When He was told that everyone was looking for Him, He leaves the area because He did not come to make a name for Himself but to be an instrument of God’s grace. He came to fulfil the promise made to Abraham. Today, we are called to be instruments of God’s peace. The activity of prayer was as important to Him as His work of healing. Prayer should be as important for us as it was for Jesus, indeed, even more important. We need the Lord if we are to live as He desires us to live and if we are to share in some way in the Lord’s work. In prayer we acknowledge and give expression to our dependence on the Lord; we open ourselves to the Lord’s life-giving presence so as to be channels of that presence to others.

May our Lord God and Father continue to love us and give us the strength to obey His will, in our every action, word and deed! Amen!! Be safe and do have a great day!!!