Pursuing Jesus

Lectio Divina out loud: in between sneezes, Erika Dix is grateful for feeling needed.

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.” (Mark 1:35-37)

This part of St. Mark’s Gospel is probably a very familiar scene to many of us, especially to Catholic moms. We seek out a few minutes of quiet to pray or rest, and then someone in our household comes pursuing us. It can be like this at work too, where we just start to get into our groove, and there is an interruption when a co-worker needs our assistance. It is at times like these that I pray for Jesus’ unwavering patience and grace.

Earlier this week, I got a cold. Nothing too serious, but enough to slow me down for a few days. Before this passage of scripture in St. Mark, in verses 30-31, we hear about Simon’s mother in law, who was sick with a fever.

He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. (Mark 1:31)

I know that if someone had come along and miraculously cured my simple cold, I would be so grateful and I would want to take care of them too!

There was something about this particular cold, that made me reflect on these verses and especially this next one:

He told them, "Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” (Mark 1:38)

Usually, when I get sick, I try really hard to find that deserted place to rest and get better. This time though, there were others in my household and family that needed taking care of. I found myself reflecting on how we are all connected. Everyone is looking for another person to take care of or have someone take care of them. How grateful I am to have all those around me who need me and want me to get better.

Jesus came with His purpose, to preach and to heal. He made Himself available, even when He wanted a quiet and deserted place to pray. It is so wondrous that God sent Jesus to us for this purpose, so that we may pursue Him, and tell Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” Even if it is a time in your life that is quiet and deserted, know that Jesus is there for you to pursue, and He wants to heal and teach whatever it is that you need.

Click to tweet:
Jesus made Himself available, even when He wanted a quiet and deserted place to pray. #catholicmom

Prayer:

Jesus, I am so grateful that I have you to pursue and even at times we get to pray together in a deserted place for a little while. I also pray for those who are seeking You, especially those in most need of Your Presence.

null