Genesis 37:25-36
Psalms 49, 53
1 Cor. 2:1-13
Mark 1:29-45
When they found him, they said to him, `Everyone is searching for you.’ He answered, `Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.’ – Mark 1:37-38
This is Jesus’ remarks to a few apostles who had come looking for him after a long day of teaching and healing. It seems as if hearing the “Everyone is searching for you” isn’t exactly news. In fact the implication in his reply is that this is exactly what he expects and desires. His seemingly casual response really seems to indicate that he will simply continue to replicate the teaching and healing in other places.
Jesus will move on, proclaiming the message, that’s the plan he will execute repeatedly.
It seems that the ultimate goal is to incite the feelings of all of the crowds in all the towns to lead them to search for him continually. And our part is to participate in the searching. How?
Not through our human efforts, but through the workings of the Holy Spirit. As St. Paul puts it in another of today’s readings: “…for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.”
Later this year, we will embark as a Parish on a search for a new Rector. But let us use this Lenten season as a time to search first for Jesus in our hearts, so we may be led in our search by the Holy Spirit.
The Collect for Today:
Bless us, O God, in this holy season, in which our hearts seek your help and healing; and so purify us by your discipline that we may grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
