A reading from the gospel according to Mark 1:29-39:

29 On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.
30 Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her.
31 He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them.
32 When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.
33 The whole town was gathered at the door.
34 He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.
35 Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.
36 Simon and those who were with him pursued him
37 and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.”
38 He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.”
39 So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

Reflection: A Day in the Life of Jesus

Jesus was clearly an early riser. He wakes up early to pray and He prays in a deserted place where no one can disturb Him. Then He goes on to teach, heal the sick and cast out demons. Even after sunset, for as long as there are people who need His presence, He is still at work.

The gospel reading shows us how Jesus was always on the move. It was a Sabbath day and people were supposed to rest and to be quiet but not Jesus. Attending to people in need was more important to Him than following the letter of the law. Thus even on a day of rest, He still performed healing and exorcism.

Not a single day was idle for Jesus. He knew He had little time on earth and He had to accomplish what He was sent for. He was always available to people who are in need. He does not reject people who sought Him.

Jesus is still available in our age at any time anywhere. He will always have time for you and for me. He is just one call away through prayer. He may no longer attend to us physically but He uses people as His instrument to help us. He might be calling us now to help a neighbor in need. Are we also available? Do we have time to call Him? Do we have time for those in need?

Jesus does not only heal us physically. His presence alone lifts us up emotionally and spiritually. He casts away our doubts and fears. He erases our guilt and fills our hearts and minds with peace and joy. Most especially, we can ask Him to cast out the demons in us and in others.