1ST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Everyone is looking for you.

No wonder everyone was looking for him! First, Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law. That evening, the whole town crowded around his door, and he healed and delivered many people. He probably had very little time to sleep that night, but he got up early the next morning and headed to a deserted place to spend time in quiet prayer. Before the clamor began, he needed to still his mind and listen to what was on his Father’s heart.

That’s why, when the disciples came looking for him, Jesus said they would be moving on. Even though demands pressed in on him from every side right where he was, Jesus had different instructions from his Father. Jesus wasn’t rejecting the people of Capernaum; he was fulfilling his mission to reach out to all people.

Whether they are aware of it or not, every human being is looking for Jesus, just as the people in Capernaum were. Some people are seeking physical healing. Some are looking for purpose in life or guidance in specific decisions. Some are starving for love or forgiveness or encouragement. Still others might not even realize that Jesus is the deepest answer to their restless hearts.

How will all these people find Jesus? Through us who believe! But how can we accomplish such an important task? First and foremost, by listening to the Father the way Jesus did. We need to spend time with him so that we can see people as he does. We can ask him to help us see their true needs and longings. We can ask him to help us understand how he wants us to help them, which could very well be different from our first instinct. We might realize that behind that neighbor’s grumpiness is a heart that is longing for the Lord. Or behind that “sinner’s” heart is a soul grappling with its need for Jesus.

So let’s steal away to spend time with our heavenly Father, like Jesus did. Even when we’re tired or feeling hard-pressed, let’s make the time to listen to what’s on God’s heart so that we can respond with love to the needs all around us.

“Lord, help me to make time to listen to how you are inviting me to help people find you today.”

Hebrews 2:14-18
Psalm 105:1-4, 6-9
Mark 1:29-39