If we are all called to show Christ’s care to others, we are also called to respond as well. Mark’s imagery of Jesus’ care and Peter’s (unnamed) mother-in-law's response beautifully shows this dynamic.
Here is a woman whose sickness had kept her in bed. Suddenly, Jesus enters her fevered world with a touch which cools the heat
and brings back strength and vigour. She is free to continue life and do what she wants again. But the dynamic of love is different. This is not a commercial exchange – “What’s the fee, doctor?” – but rather a response in love to an overflow of love which she had never sought.
One might call it gratitude. It’s that, but it is more, too. Here is a recognition of being a person Jesus personally loves and cares for – so
much that he is prepared to enter her life and give something no one else could. Her response, in generosity, is to put herself at his service.
When have I felt truly loved? Have I felt Jesus’ presence, whether in the silence of my heart or in the unlooked-for kindness of strangers? How do I respond? Awkwardly? Unknowingly? Or do I feel moved to kindness and generosity in answer?
The modern world is full of interactions – looked for or not. Look back on the week so far. Have I felt the love of Christ moving in the generosity of others? How have I responded? How am I responding? How should I respond?
Reflections
by Justin Glyn SJ
