Aneel Aranha's video: January 13 2021 - Captive Free - A Reflection on Mark 1:29-39

As recipients of God’s healing and deliverance, let us worship and love him with renewed faith & strength. https://youtu.be/B1EAaYL36XA Scripture Reading: Mark 1:29-32 “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 sunset, 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.” Reflection: Why is there sickness and disease, when there is God? There are several answers out there to this question, and the one to which you could pay attention to is that sickness is a consequence of original sin. This should explain that sickness or disease was not God’s plan when he created man. Yet, the love of God, which reaches us through Christ, brings us freedom from all consequences of sin, including sickness. Jesus is not unaware of the pain and anguish suffered by a person who battles with sicknesses or diseases. Nor is He is unaware of the rejection and isolation from families and communities faced by some, due to dangerous diseases or infections such as the Corona Virus. The absence of love and compassion, care and protection in such struggling moments can make a person go into despair or even lack interest in living anymore. Jesus is not blind to these realities either. In His mission on earth, the Son of God reveals Himself as the Divine Healer, who desires to grant healing to the sick and freedom to the possessed. It is no surprise that even doctors encourage patients or caregivers to put their trust in God in times when medical help reaches its limit. For nothing is impossible for God. The sick who has received God’s healing has had a personal encounter with the tender love and mercy of God. Jesus manifested this truth when He literally took Simon’s mother-in-law by the hand and lifted her up, and with this personal healing touch of the Son of God the fever left her. By the authority of His command, demons left the people whom they possessed. These divine realities which Jesus brought about while preaching the good news attracted people to Him in large numbers. So much so that His disciples were frantically looking for him because there were many others searching for Jesus. But was this also the plan that Jesus had in mind? The stark reality of our salvation reminded in today’s gospel is that we should never be satisfied by being receivers of miracles and wonders from The Lord, but live as those who follow Jesus as doers of His word. Jesus does not give-in to public demand, and with his disciples moves on to the next town to preach the message of salvation. If you have experienced the mighty healing power of Jesus, then like Simon’s mother-in-law, serve the Lord and your neighbour with renewed faith and strength in the Lord. May our focus be on the message of salvation. Signs and wonders such as healing of the sick and freedom from evil spirits shall surely follow.