SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4

A TOUCH OF CLOSENESS

MarK 1: 29-31

He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

Mark 1:31 (NRSV)

Peter’s mother-in-law was sick, not getting out of bed, with a high fever, and the pain and fatigue that accompany this illness, which could surely marginalize her even within her family.

The fact of not being able to do what she should at home, in addition to the prejudices that those around her could have due to her illness, did not leave her or the family in a good position. It was not common for someone who visited the house and witnessed this to come into direct contact with the afflicted person, but this is precisely what Jesus is moved to do, to approach her, to touch her hands, feel her conndition and lift her up from there. She is healed by the closeness and touch of Jesus.

 

Prayer: Beloved God, free us from being indolent with those we meet along the way, from marginalizing someone because of his ailment, because of being disabled, so that we may be close, touch and help to lift up those who need us. Amen.

 

Translation by John Potter

 

FEBRERO 4, DOMINGO

UN TOQUE DE CERCANÍA.

Marcos 1: 29-31

Jesús se acercó, y tomándola de la mano, la ayudó a levantarse. Al instante la fiebre se le fue, y ella comenzó a atenderlos.

Marcos 1:31

La suegra de Pedro estaba enferma, sin levantarse de la cama, con fiebre alta, y los dolores y fatigas que acompañan este malestar, esto podia con seguridad marginarla incluso dentro de la familia.

El hecho de no poder hacer lo que debia en la casa, además de los prejuicios que podian tener quienes estuviesen a su alrededor por su enfermedad, no la dejaban en una posición ni a ella ni a la familia. No era común que alguien que visitara la casa y fuese testigo de esto, entrara en contacto directo con la persona afligida y esto precisamente a lo que Jesús es movido, a acercarse a ella, a tocar sus manos, sentir su situación y levantarla de ahi, ella queda sanada por la cercania y el toque de Jesús.

 

Oración: Amado Dios, libranos de ser indolentes con quienes encontramos en el camino, de marginar a alguien por su dolencia, por estar imposibilitado, que podamos ser cercanos, tocar y ayudar a levantar al que nos necesite. Amén.