Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
The way Mark tells the beginning of Jesus' ministry, it starts with a bang. He gathers disciples and commences to cast out demons and heal people. The impression we get is of someone who may be a huge public figure, but who still has time for people. The mother-in-law of Simon (Peter) is ill; Jesus 'came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them' (verse 31, ESV). There is a quiet pastoral care in what he does. We might think she deserved some peace after being ill, but 'she served them' is meant to stress her return to full health and strength. Her healing inspires others to come as well; that evening, the whole town gathers for ministry.
This story inspired one of the most beautiful English hymns. It begins:
At even, ere the sun was set,
the sick, O Lord, around thee lay;
O in what divers pains they met!
O with what joy they went away!
The writer, Henry Twells, goes on to think of the different needs with which we too come to Christ: '... some are sick, and some are sad,/ And some have never loved thee well,/ And some have lost the love they had.'
The hymn ends:
Thy touch has still its ancient power;
no word from thee can fruitless fall:
Hear, in this solemn evening hour,
and in thy mercy heal us all.
All of us need healing in some way. Christ still comes to us today.
God, help me to trust in your healing and forgiving power. Bless me and those I love, as you blessed those who came to you on that evening in Capernaum.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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