True Service

Today’s Gospel: And immediately he left the synagogue, and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever, and immediately they told him of her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her; and she served them.

32 That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered together about the door. 34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

35 And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose and went out to a lonely place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with him pursued him, 37 and they found him and said to him, "Every one is searching for you." 38 And he said to them, "Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also; for that is why I came out." 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons. Mark 1:29-39

Reflection:   “and she served them”, what a privilege it is to serve the Lord and Simon’s mother-in-law did just that. Humanity is has always been attracted by the term “selfless service”.  We may all want to serve and yet not all can find it in their ability to serve.     

But the important point of service which we miss out is that of real and actual service.  Jesus by healing Peter’s mother-in-law from her situation had done the greater service than she who served on them.  Thus for a Christian the greater service concerns the things of God and his glory. God made us to love him, to serve him and to be with him forever.     

Whereas we see service in what is visible and manifest before us. Rarely, do we acknowledge the service of the visibly less active, who in reality have been more active in serving God in prayer and worship and carrying his message to others. The sincere prayers of a bedridden patient can sustain many lives and bring blessing to the countless.  

Right knowledge should lead us to right action. As Christians we see divine wisdom in Jesus action when he approves of Mary’s service of worship and assimilation more than Martha’s visible service.  (Lk. 10:38ff)

Prayer:  Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Ps 100:1-2

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