Saint Francis of Assisi by Ermes Dovico

GOSPEL PEARLS

Who finds Jesus?

Simon and those who were with him pursued him (Mk 1:36)

Gospel Pearls 15_01_2020

On leaving the synagogue he entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, "Everyone is looking for you." He told them, "Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come." So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee. (Mk 1, 29-39)

There are moments when Jesus seems to be absent from us, and he did the same thing during his public life. One such time, for example, was when he dedicated himself to prayer. Jesus was found by some but not by all. It was his disciples who found him because they thirsted for him more than for his prodigious signs. Those who follow Him, then, find him not only because they need Him but because they desire Him. Let us pray that we may seek Jesus out of love for Him more than we seek His consolations.