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Mark 1:29-39 (5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B)
A key word in the opening
chapter of the Gospel of Mark is the use of the Greek
word “euthus.” Used three times last Sunday, in
the healing of the man with the unclean spirit and twice
in today’s Gospel, it means “immediately.” The intent
is to create a clear sense of action and urgency about
Jesus’ mission and vision – to awaken all to the Kingdom
of Heaven already in our midst.
The “yes” to Jesus’
request that Peter follow him, ushered in a dramatic
shift in consciousness for Peter. Having witnessed the
bursting open of the synagogue doors to what it means to
be the embodied Word, he suddenly finds Jesus in his own
house. In the movement from such a public space to his
own private dwelling, there was no time for getting
ready for the unexpectant visitor. Maybe Peter was even
a little embarrassed that his mother-in-law wasn’t at
her best for such an auspicious occasion!
But the Kingdom is here.
The only required response is a conscious awareness of
the gift that is being unconditionally offered As Peter
spent the rest of that day with Jesus, we are invited to
witness with him, what a life of compassionate love,
forgiveness and healing really looks like in action.
And because everyone
wants another day like the one that went before they,
including Peter, they are out looking for Jesus the next
morning. It will take time for Peter to fully embrace
what it means to be on the way of discipleship. Jesus
has no interest in being popular. There is a task to be
done. His concern is for the poor and sick who await
the good news of the Kingdom of inclusive love. |
