Scripture Scribbles: February 4, 2024
the Gospel
Mark 1:29-39
On leaving the synagogue
Jesus 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.
the devotion
Rising very early before dawn...
In this season of my life I am struggling with rising early to sit and pray. Remembering almost 10 years ago when I was in the middle of my deep dive into our faith, I was rising early to light my wedding candle that had been sitting for nearly 20 years as a “decoration” in my bedroom. I had decided to pray with it. I would rise early, light the candle and stumble through a rosary. Thinking back I feel like I was such a rookie, but the flame had been lit within me and there was no turning back. The desire was there, to pray, to grow, to get to know our Lord. The candle burned until the wick was no longer able to light, the wax sat like a little puddle, but my faith had no doubt grown. Yet, today, I struggle. I lie there in the dark imploring myself to rise, rise before the dawn… light the candle, the one that has a scent of cypress and earth, and is made to reflect the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. I ordered it from a company that makes all kinds of Saint inspired scents! I ordered it because I know this practice of lighting this candle can help set the mood for prayer. I encourage myself to push down the electric tea kettle and pour a steaming cup of tea to sip and hold while I read the Word…but there I lie. There are no babies to get up for these days, the kids leave a bit later for school, if I want, I have all the time I need to sit in prayer, still I lie there. The house is quiet and I just want to snuggle in for a few more minutes. Then, the moment is gone, my doze is a little too long and the sun has risen, the morning calls, breakfast, lunches, dog walks….. Maybe I’ll light the candle later and sit with today's readings… I hope I do, but it's not the same…I instantly regret not ‘rising early.’
In different seasons of my life I’ve been better at this…it is frustrating because I really do know how the days can look different, when I carve that little bit (or a lot) of time to spend with HIM, I never regret it! When I read today's Gospel that part jumped out at me, Jesus arose early to pray! The Son of God, needed to pray! He knew the things he was about to do and HE needed to pray first.
We all know with each new day comes another opportunity to “begin again” but am I beginning again with God?
That's the difference, that’s why my days look different when I begin with prayer. When I invite God into my day, into the mess, the beauty, the challenge, the sacrifice…the day is just so different. Prayer can set my day up so I can be more intentional, more present, more patient, when I have Him at the center of it all. We need that balance of prayer and work. Not all work and not all prayer but maybe more like that Latin phrase that I like ‘ora et labora’ working and praying. So during the drudgery of cleaning, laundry and cooking they turn into moments of gratitude and thankfulness when my eyes are on Him.
I don’t know what season you are in right now, or where your life may need healing. I know I could always use more of God's grace and if Jesus, who knew He needed God’s grace was rising early to pray, then that should be enough for me to sneak out of bed, light my Saint Francis of Assisi candle and spend some time in prayer before dawn. I’m excited to see the fruits and get back to this practice again, won’t you join me?
Today’s devotion is written by Beth Brennan
