Homily on Mark 1: 29-39: Mission of Jesus (15-01-2026)

 A reflection on Mark 1:29-39 : Highlighting the Mission of Jesus(14-1-25)

Praise be to Jesus Christ!

There was once a school principal who received news of his transfer to a new place. He loved the school he was in and did not want to leave. He felt very comfortable with the staff and students there, and the thought of starting fresh somewhere else made him very anxious. To avoid the transfer, he asked people to protest on his behalf. When this did not work, he even approached a local politician to influence the authorities to cancel the transfer order. This incident reflects the attitude of many of us who prefer to remain in our comfort zones. However, in today’s Gospel, Jesus challenges us to step out of these zones and embrace new missions with passion.

After healing many people in Capernaum, Jesus became very famous. The people admired Him and wanted Him to stay. This is evident in Peter’s words: “Everyone is looking for you.” Jesus could have stayed in Capernaum, enjoying the admiration and performing more miracles. But instead, He said, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I have come.”

Jesus was fully aware of His mission. His focus was not on comfort, popularity, name, or fame. He was dedicated to the mission entrusted to Him: to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom to all, not just to a few.

We see this same type of commitment in the lives of many great missionaries. St. Francis Xavier travelled to Asia and never returned to his homeland. St. Damien of Molokai chose to serve lepers on a distant island, leaving behind the life he knew. Great missionaries like these sacrificed their comforts, families, and familiar surroundings for the sake of the Gospel. If they had stayed in their comfort zones, countless people would not have received the message of Jesus.

Today, our mission, like that of Jesus and the great missionaries, often requires embracing unfamiliar and uncomfortable places and situations. This might mean stepping into a new job, moving to a different community, or taking on responsibilities we feel unprepared for. It is always tempting to resist change and cling to the familiar, but as disciples of Jesus, our mission is not about us and our comfort but it must be about serving others and bringing God’s love wherever we are sent. As St. John Paul II said, “Do not be afraid; open wide the doors to Christ.” This courage to embrace the new is essential in our journey of faith.

When we stay in our comfort zones, we limit ourselves and miss opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus. Jesus’ words, “Let us go on to the next towns,” remind us to embrace change and trust in God’s plan for us. Let us reflect today: Are we ready to follow Jesus’ example and the example of the great missionaries? Are we willing to leave behind our comfort zones to fulfil our mission? May God give us the courage and strength to say yes to His call.

Jesus make me a missionary of Jesus…