By Vamshi Eedara csc –
Readings: 1 Sam 18:6-9; 19:1-7; Mk 3: 7-12
In the gospel reading, we see that Jesus is surrounded by a crowd even to the extent of being crushed, yet Jesus loves the crowd. The presence of crowd around him points to the fact that people are an important part of his ministry.
Interestingly, most of the people are not seeking Jesus but seeking something from him. Jesus had compassion and love for all, for the sick, the lost, the lonely, the homeless, and he never turned anyone away. Jesus was healing a few people. When the word was passed onto other countries, many came to Jesus for they wanted to be healed. Even the impure spirits shouted at him that he is the son of God. Many people recognize Jesus as the son of God only at times of healing or enlightenment.
A crowd of people praise and worship God but only a few deepen their relationship with him. But the message is clear, even though Jesus needs rest he continues to give time for us. Jesus always longed for people to heal in body, mind, and spirit, and thus fulfils his manifesto that we see in Lk 4:16-18. To fulfil his manifesto, he went everywhere meeting all sorts of people in all kinds of places, like synagogues, seashores, towns, and in the countryside.
We can be amazed at the faith of these people who sought out Jesus to be healed of their illnesses. We can find ways to be near to Jesus, not to be healed, but to show our love towards Jesus, by spending our time in prayer.