Tuesday 19 February 2013

Background

Today's passage provides more evidence of Jesus' power as ahealer and an exorcist. A particular example of healing isdescribed, with named witnesses. Then we are told that this wasjust one of many occasions when Jesus' power was revealed in thisway.

The longed for Jewish Messiah was expected to achieve a decisivevictory over evil and bring freedom from the occupying forces,together with universal peace, justice and righteousness byimposing his rule on everyone. What we find instead is a series ofminor, often quiet, victories which are carried out withinindividual people on a one-to-one basis. The freedom Jesus brought(and still brings) was from feelings of guilt, anger and regret;from fears, desires and prejudices; from sickness and uncleannessof body and mind that made people socially and religiouslyundesirable - all things which limited people's humanity. Insteadof great acts of power he worked through small acts of love.

With so much power going out of him, Jesus needed times ofsolitude and prayer (verse 35) to recharge his batteries, reaffirmhis calling and his spiritual union with God, and to reassurehimself of the Father's presence and support. It's a usefulreminder that none of us can be effective for very long, if we relyon our own strength and don't renew and reinvigorate (and possiblyre-evaluate) our faith.

Following this time of prayer and reflection, Jesus decides thatit is time to move on. He is popular and being very successfulwhere he is; but staying where he is comfortable, recognised andappreciated is not what he is called to do. His mission is muchbroader; and there are many who need to hear the good news of thecoming of thekingdomofGodand to change their lives.

To Ponder

• Jesus had a clear sense of mission and of the priorities withinthat. How true is that of the Church as a whole and for us asindividuals?

• When did you last recognise the presence of God in a small actof love? Or are you waiting for something more dramatic?

• How do you recharge your spiritual batteries?

• In what ways does your call to mission lead you to ventureoutside your spiritual and physical comfort zone?