“So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up”

Scripture

As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.  (Mark 1:29-31 NIV)

“So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up”

Tradition holds that Peter was the first pope of the church. But he had a mother-in-law so he had some adult supervision while he exercised his leadership responsibilities. Tradition also suggests that the gospel writer Mark’s version of Jesus’ life is from his travels with Peter and through the stories that Peter told to the early church.

His version of today’s story is much more intimate than the other gospel writers’. When Jesus knew of her illness he went to her bedside, held her by the hand and helped her to her feet – and the fever left her. What a lovely experience for her to have Jesus’ hand in hers when she was frustrated in her isolation and inability to offer hospitality.

We’ve all got a bit of a fever of isolation and impatience with our inability to give and receive hospitality. But we know that many need our help. One way we alleviate our frustration is to go and offer a hand up in emotions, finances, or whatever is the need dear ones have.

What I really like about the story is that once she received her helping hand Peter’s mother-in-law was freed to serve and offer hospitality. We help one another in these times with simple acts of kindness which create greater freedom for the one receiving to also become a giver to others.

A Prayer for Today

O Jesus of the fevered room, you didn’t shy away from the need of one woman but offered your hand of help and healing. Help us to be as responsive as you to needs we see and know that while giving we may be freeing others to do the same …. For Jesus’ sake.