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REFLECTION

“Extra, Extra, read all about it” is the theme for our reflection. An extra is a term of art in the film industry. It is the name for an actor who plays supporting roles in movies. In film, an extra is a performer, also known as a background actor or supporting artist, who appears in a nonspeaking role to fill the background of a scene and make it appear more realistic. Extras perform normal activities, like walking through a crowd or sitting at a cafe, to make scenes look natural and busy. While typically silent, they are a vital part of any production, even if they are not mentioned in the credits. (Google search). Whereas attention is usually drawn to the main actors in a movies or story, theme is inviting us to pay attention or read extra to appreciate the unnamed but profound actors in Jesus’ story who have taught us valuable lessons.  We shall reflect on the fact that there were some unnamed actors or extras in the story of Jesus’ earthly ministry who taught us the relationship between predicament (sickness), cure and service.

Beloved in the Lord, unlike many others who are mentioned in the story or historical account of Jesus’ ministry, we are introduced to a woman who was only referred to as the mother-in-law of Simon Peter. Mark may have ignored her name because Simon Peter and Andrew were the main actors or disciples of Jesus, worth mentioning and not Peter’s mother-in-law. If it were a movie production, Simon or Peter’s mother-in-law would have been acknowledged as an extra or supporting actor. However, her brief mention or appearance teaches us the valuable lesson of how to respond to Jesus’ compassion and grace towards our predicaments. We are told that, “29 …immediately he (Jesus) left the synagogue, and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever, and immediately they told him of her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her; and she served them.” (Mark 1:29-30 RSV) She teaches us the importance of service as a response to God’s healing or restorative power. Many of us, after we have experienced the healing or divine restoration of Jesus, fail to live a life of service and gratitude to honour Him. Yet we see an elderly woman who responds to Jesus’s healing power with service. In some translations, we are told she prepared food for them to eat. This supporting act or extra in the story of Jesus has taught us that service or ministry is not a right but a life of gratitude to our Lord and Saviour Jesus for restoring and redeeming us. There are countless stories of men and women of faith who have served and continue to serve God diligently because they experienced the miraculous and restorative power of God in their lives. What about you? Do you have a testimony and a reason to serve God? Has Jesus done something remarkable in your life for which you must serve Him? Would you also serve like the mother-in-law of Simon, or like many others who continue to give excuses even after they have experienced Jesus’ healing power? For many of us, until we become sick or bedridden, we fail to appreciate the grace and mercy of God upon our lives and don’t see the need to serve God with our all mind, heart, and soul. Paul’s admonishment to the Romans is very relevant for our consideration when he wrote, Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1). Our commitment and service to the Lord is borne out of what he would do for us tomorrow but what He has already done for us yesterday. Be an active and dutiful Christian in your congregation, family and community as a demonstration of your testimony to God’s power and faithfulness in your life.

In summary, we have learnt a valuable lesson responding to Jesus’ restorative power with a life of service from an extra or supporting actor in the story of Jesus’ earthly ministry. May the Lord enable us to serve Him all the days of our lives. Shalom.

PRAYER

May the Holy Spirit grant us the discernment to always ponder over the goodness and mercy of God and to offer ourselves as living sacrifices of service and honour. Amen.