Jumping or Regrouping

Devotionals Jumping or Regrouping? 1/29/2024 - by: Marilyn Wilcox - Starting With Scripture Share Rev. Marilyn Wilcox, joyfully, is pastor at the United Church of Clinton, MA where she has served for almost four years. She is partnered with her husband, Michael and has four grown children (Jess, Jared, Nate, and Dustin). She officiated the wedding of her son and daughter-in-law, Nate and Lizzie, back in September. Also in September, Marilyn and her congregation celebrated the 35th anniversary of her ordination. She gives thanks for moments of healing and the ability to serve. Scripture: Mark 1:29-39 (NRSVUE) Jesus Heals Many at Simon’s House As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them. That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. A Preaching Tour in Galilee In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, ‘Everyone is searching for you.’ He answered, ‘Let us go on to the neighbouring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.’ And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons. Reflection: Jumping or Regrouping? Two items of interest strike me about this passage from the Gospel of Mark. First, when Simon’s mother-in-law is healed she begins to serve them all. In what form does the action “serve” take? Does she serve them a meal? Does she serve as a disciple? Both? I remember many, many years ago, I was faced with a chronic illness while I served as a pastor in a small town. While I was in the hospital, meals were provided for my family. It struck me as a disappointment that starting with the day I returned home, the meals stopped. As if to say, “she's home now and can take care of the family from this time on.” Sure, I was happy my family was well attended to while I was hospitalized, but when I returned home I was weak and not quite ready to prepare meals for my family. Does Simon’s mother-in-law feel the same way? Is she feeling frustrated that she has to serve? Or is she joyful? If the latter, then she fared better than I did. Or was the verb “serve” in relation to carrying out the work as a disciple? Possible. I give her credit for that. Second point of interest to me about this passage that comes to mind, is that Jesus, after this healing and many more on top of it, withdraws to pray. After all that healing that was accomplished he, perhaps, needed to rest and regroup. Resting and regrouping are a big part of what Jesus needs, but perhaps what the people he healed needed as well. Those healed needed to focus on what needed to be done next. They needed to focus and prioritize, to rest and regroup. What do we need after a moment of feeling healed? Do we jump right into the next priority, the next step? Do we take time to rest? Jesus provides a model for the latter. As we come to the conclusion of Epiphany and transition into the time of Lent, let us take our cue from Jesus. Let us attend to healing, yet pause in the midst of it for a time of rest, reflection and regrouping. Jesus’ disciples go out searching for Jesus. Were they worried about his absence? Were they anxious and ready for Jesus to jump into the next bit of ministry? More to the point, it appears after rest and renewal, Jesus states he is ready to move on. His focus will be on proclaiming his message and healing. He now is ready to get on with things. How will you recharge during this time? Reading, study, community of practice participation, meditation, and/or prayer? Make a commitment to rest even though it might seem far-fetched right now. Take time to take good care. Model this for the people you minister to. May all good blessings descend upon you as you heal others in your own way. PRAYER O, God of Passion and Source of Regrouping, be with us as we prepare for the transition from Epiphany to Lent. Bestow upon us opportunities where we may heal those we serve. Amen New Prayer Requests: We ask churches and church leaders to join us in the following prayers either by sharing them during worship, printing them in bulletins, or sharing them in some other way. To make a prayer request, please contact Marlene Gasdia-Cochrane at cochranem@sneucc.org. Prayers of Intercession: For the people of Ukraine and the Middle East whose lives continue to be shattered by war, as well as the many landscapes that are currently embroiled in conflicts . For those grieving or suffering due to the ~2,700 gun violence deaths that happened in the US since the start of the year. For the friends and family of The Rev. Gretchen Stanland who passed away January 13, 2024. Rev. Stanland held ordained ministerial standing in the Middlesex Association, and served the Somersville Congregational Church in Somersville CT and the South Lyme Chapel in Old Lyme CT. For the friends and family of The Rev. Arlene B. Studer, who passed away January 22, 2024. Rev. Studer served churches in Freemansburg, PA and Unity Hill Church in Trumbull, CT, and Bridgeport Hospital as a chaplain. For those suffering from the recent snow, floods, and extraordinary winter weather. Prayers of Joy and Thanksgiving: For faith formation and youth ministry leaders For Lent's invitations to love and justice For opportunities to regroup, including praying together. (You are invited to participate in Pause for Prayer, Wednesdays @ 12:30, Live on Facebook. Add your prayers through the chat feature, and recordings can be found on the SNEUCC Facebook page or our webpage.) This Week in History: January 30, 1948 (76 years ago): Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the political and spiritual leader of the Indian independence movement, is assassinated in New Delhi by a Hindu extremist. [History] “Study the past if you would define the future.” — Confucius Marilyn Wilcox Rev. Marilyn Wilcox joyfully serves as pastor of the United Church of Clinton, MA, is partnered with her husband Michael, has four grown children (Jess, Jared, Nate, and Dustin), enjoys creating mandalas, has been known as a Star Trek fan, and has a ... January 29, 2024