²⁹As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.³⁰Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. ³¹He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

³²That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. ³³And the whole city was gathered around the door. ³⁴And 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.

³⁵In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. ³⁶And Simon and his companions hunted for him. ³⁷When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” ³⁸He 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.” ³⁹And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

• Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
• Sit five to fifteen minutes in silent meditation paying attention to the deep breath.
• As you encounter the text today, allow yourself to join in the crowd as it surrounds the door.
• Who do you notice in the crowd?
• Are you close to the door or are you on the fringes?
• Who is being healed?
• You have come to see the one who is healing and casting out demons.
• How do you hope to be healed?
• Listen to the chatter of the crowd.
• How does the crowd hope to be healed?
• The light of the day is dwindling and it is time for evening rest.
• Do you go straight home? Or do you linger awhile?
• What hope do you carry from this encounter?
• Give thanks to God for this time in the crowd and for any new insights you have gained.
• Share as you feel led in the reply box below.