Gospel Reflection - Mark 1:29-39

I've always wished that the Gospel writers wrote as historians rather than storytellers. I certainly understand the reasons for their writing style and what life was like then. (Not to mention the fact that they were inspired by God so who am I to argue?) But every time I read the Bible I am left yearning for more detail.

This Sunday's Gospel (Mark 1:29-39) is a perfect example. We read about Jesus teaching, curing Simon's mother, driving out demons and wandering to nearby villages ... all in three short paragraphs. I know Mark has captured the important ideas - but did you ever wonder about the details?

For example, what did Simon's mother say or do after Jesus cured her of her fever? Did she hop right out of bed and serve them? Did she thank him profusely? Perhaps she gave him a motherly hug?

And what about the throngs of people lining up outside the house? Was it chaos? Or more curious wonder? Did they all really believe in Him or just take a chance? Did they fight to get into the house, or shout "Jesus, Jesus, please help us"? How quickly did the word spread that Jesus was healing people - were people running around the village screaming at the top of their lungs?

How about the demons? Were the ones He expelled visible for all to see? Or was there just an obvious change in the saved person?

Where was the deserted place Jesus went to to pray? What did it look like? How happy was He to finally be in silence so he could pray to his Father?

If only they had video cameras and the internet back then!

For now, my imagination will suffice. But I often wonder why God did not leave more details for us so that I didn't have to spend so much time thinking.

Of course, now that I think about it, that's probably exactly the way he wants it.

God Bless.