My reflection is from Living Faith:
He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Mark 1:31
“I envy Peter’s mother-in-law. She got to hold the hand of Jesus. He grasped her hand. There’s strength in that word. And clearly, Jesus takes the initiative here. He helped her up. There’s tenderness in that expression. What’s more, the word help implies that the woman used some of her own strength to get up. Jesus didn’t do all the work for her.
There’s so much in this simple sentence that has implications for us and our spiritual lives. Jesus seeks a relationship with us. He reaches out to us first. At times, we may experience Jesus’ strength giving us the power to face our daily struggles with courage. At other times, we may experience his tenderness consoling us and easing our pain. And always, Jesus allows us to participate in our own salvation and the salvation of the world.
Jesus, thank you for grasping my hand and helping me to follow you more closely today and every day.”
Sr. Melanie Svoboda, S.N.D.