January 16, 2019

Mk 1:29-39

As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured 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.

In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

Building in time for prayer

“In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.”

I am reminded in today’s Gospel of the need for prayer in my life. Jesus was working overtime; everyone the disciples brought to him was cured. The next day was going to be more of the same so he carved out some time before the day began and prayed.

I wish I could do the same with more consistency. All too often when the day and evening is full, I can let go of that which I need the most. During the hectic days, I need the centering power of prayer to be able to recognize Christ amidst the busyness and pick up on whatever he may be inviting me to that day.

What might I do to build time for prayer into my busy day?

—Tom Drexler is the Executive Director of the Ignatian Spirituality Project, a ministry providing Ignatian retreats to men and women experiencing homelessness.

Prayer

Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples. Amen.

—Tom Drexler