“For This Purpose I Have Come”

Awhile back, the angels asked me to dedicate Sundays to the Gospels, with love and gratitude, here is the Gospel of Mark 1:29-39  MK 1:29-39

On leaving the synagogue
Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.
Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.
They immediately told him about her.
He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.
Then the fever left her and she waited on them.

When it was evening, after sunset,
they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.
The whole town was gathered at the door.
He cured many who were sick with various diseases,
and he drove out many demons,
not permitting them to speak because they knew him.

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.”
He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages
that I may preach there also.
For this purpose have I come.”
So he went into their synagogues,
preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

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Galilee is the city of  Jesus’ first teaching and miracles in Mark’s Gospels.  In a tender gesture toward Simon’s mother -n-law that ignores any fear of touching the ill. Jesus “helped her up” , literally he “raised her up” (egeiro) a verb used in resurrection accounts. Her healing is a sign of the fullness of life in the Kingdom of God. Once healed, she “waited on them” – which carries a rich meaning. Her action is one of “service” (diakoneo) that describes Christian Ministry. Once healed, she participates in the mission of Jesus’ disciples. Jesus also shows a sovereign power over anything unholy [see reference] and continues to announce the Good news- that the Kingdom of God is present among them. 

Reference : Workbook For Lectors, Gospel Readers and Proclaimers of the Word 2018