By Lindsay Schlegel

“Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever, and immediately they told him of her. And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her; and she served them.” ~ Mark 1:30-31

When my kids are called to the instructor in their karate studio, they are expected not to rush, but to move with a sense of urgency to respond to their master’s call. There is no “In a minute” or “I’ll be right there.” They are to move from their spot on the line and in seconds bow before her, ready for their next instruction. Their obedient response is a sign of respect, humility, and trust in their master. 

Emergency Response

This kind of obedience is on display in today’s Gospel reading. When the Apostles learn of Simon’s mother-in-law’s illness, they immediately tell Jesus of her need. The narrative suggests that Christ’s reaction is just as swift. There isn’t much of a surprise here; the situation was serious, and we can easily imagine behaving in the same manner. When we, too, learn of someone in need, we are inclined to offer a prayer or a practical means of aid right away. 

Simon’s mother-in-law’s response is perhaps less expected. She does not take time to rest or lavish thanks and praise, but instead she begins to serve. She is given the gifts of health and rejuvenation, and she offers them, right away, in the service of others. 

Picking Up the Pace

A while back, I came across this quote from Thomas Merton: “Hurry ruins saints as well as artists.” We are not called to hurry—hurrying leads to error and stress and steals our peace—but we are called to stay focused on where and whom we are called to serve. 

The need might not look like an emergency. Still, our willingness to listen, counsel, comfort, and forgive ought to come with a sense of urgency as a sign of trust in our true Master.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, give me the grace to respond swiftly to those I can help today. Make me generous with my time and prayer. Amen.

Call to Action:

Resist phrases like “In a minute” or “I’ll be right there” when you can today.  Build a habit of responding to others with generous urgency.

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