29. The Urgency of Following Jesus

Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus rose up and went out to a deserted place, and prayed. Simon and those who were with him followed after him. When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.”

Jesus said, “Let’s go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because I came for this reason.” 

As they went on the way, a man said to him, “I want to follow you wherever you go, Lord.”

Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

Jesus said to another, “Follow me!” But he said, “Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead, but you go and announce God’s Kingdom.”

Another said, “I want to follow you, Lord, but first allow me to say good-bye to those who are at my house.” Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for God’s Kingdom.”

Reflection

Few people who met Jesus were able to go back unchanged to the life they had always known. His message was both inviting and challenging; timid, half-hearted responses wouldn’t do. Does the urgency and priority of Jesus’ call speak to your own experience of faith? Do you have obstacles in your life which make it difficult to follow Jesus fully?

Prayer: Give me the courage I need, Lord, in responding to your call.

 

28. Mental and Physical Illness

Jesus came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching on the Sabbath. People were astonished at his teaching, for he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man who had an unclean spirit, who cried out with a loud voice, “What have we to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know you who you are: the Holy One of God!”

Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” When the demon had thrown the man down in their midst, he came out, having done him no harm.

Everyone was amazed, and said to one another, “What is this? With authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” News about him went out into every place of the surrounding region.

He rose up from the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. Simon’s mother-in-law was afflicted with a great fever, and they begged him for her. He stood over her, took her by the hand, lifted her up and rebuked the fever; and it left her. Immediately she rose up and served them.

At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to him all who were sick, and those who were possessed by demons. All the city was gathered together at the door. He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. He didn’t allow the demons to speak, because they knew him.

Reflection

We know our bodies and minds have great ability, within limits and over time, to heal themselves. What is pictured here, however, is Jesus speaking with authority to fevers and spirits, and people being made whole in an instant. The way this happens isn’t magic, but it is mystery. Do you approach stories such as these with faith or skepticism? What experiences in your life have shaped your approach?

Prayer: Open the eyes of my heart and mind, Lord, to life’s mysteries.