22nd Week in Ordinary Time : Wednesday 6th September 2023

“When daylight came, He left the house and made His way to a lonely place” (v 42). Jesus had healed Simon’s mother-in-law of a high fever the day before. He had also cured many who were “suffering from diseases of one kind or another” (v 40); devils had come out of many people howling, ‘You are the Son of God’ (v 41). All these healings must have drained Jesus to the core. So, how did Jesus recharge? He went “to a lonely place” at “daylight” (v 42). A “lonely place” to be with God … to rest in God … to draw strength from God … – to be refreshed … to be renewed … to refocus – to continue to be on the journey to fulfil “The Mission” that is His, that which is His vocation.

Each of us has a Mission to fulfil – our Life’s Calling. We can fulfil God’s call on our lives if we follow Jesus’ example of intentionally communing daily – with the divine. It has to be a decisive decision – being with God first – before being with others, before getting on with our business and busyness. “Far from the Madding Crowd” and in God’s presence, we will receive words and wisdom from God as we discern different matters to emerge forth, whole and holy.

After His time with God, Jesus went on to “proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God to the other towns” (v 43) and “continued His preaching in the synagogues of Judaea” (v 44). Like Jesus, we will be empowered as we spend daily time with God.

Lord, from Your presence, we go forth.