Should You Stay or Should You Go?
January 15, 2025 - Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Mark 1:29-39
Today’s Gospel picks up where yesterday’s story left off. After freeing a man from an unclean spirit, Jesus continues His mission, healing many others from various illnesses. The people of Capernaum are overjoyed—Jesus has become an instant celebrity! Yet, in this moment of success lies a quiet but powerful temptation: Should Jesus stay in Capernaum, or should He go to other villages to proclaim the Gospel?
The Subtle Temptations
Unlike Matthew and Luke, Mark’s Gospel doesn’t detail the temptations Jesus faced in the desert. In those accounts, the devil tempted Jesus with bread, fame, and power. Jesus rejected them all. But temptations didn’t end there. Throughout His ministry, Jesus faced subtler distractions aimed at pulling Him away from His mission of saving humanity through the cross.
One such temptation appears in today’s Gospel. After a wildly successful day of ministry, Jesus retreats early in the morning to a quiet place to pray. What does He talk about with the Father? Perhaps how to move forward. Soon, Peter will interrupt with exciting news: “Everyone is looking for you!” It would be so natural, so easy to stay in Capernaum, enjoying the comfort of admiration and success. Wouldn’t many of us do that? But that wasn’t why Jesus came.
Faithfulness Over Fame
Jesus’ mission wasn’t about gaining popularity; it was about being faithful to the Father’s will, even when that path led to the cross. His response to Peter’s announcement is clear and decisive:
“Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come” (Mark 1:38).
Jesus knew His purpose. Capernaum had experienced the Good News, but there were still countless hearts waiting to hear it. So, Jesus set out, traveling through Galilee, preaching in synagogues, and casting out demons (Mark 1:39).
Our Call to the Peripheries
In recent years, Pope Francis has called for a Church that is less rigid and more mobile, willing to go to the peripheries. He invites us to leave our comfort zones and share the Gospel with those on the margins. But how many of us are ready to trade the fame of Capernaum for the shame of the cross?
It’s tempting to stay where we’re comfortable, where we’re admired and secure. But discipleship isn’t about comfort—it’s about mission. Just as Jesus couldn’t keep the Good News confined to Capernaum, we can’t keep it to ourselves.
The Challenge for Us
Think about your life. Where is your Capernaum? Is it a place of comfort, success, or routine? And where is God calling you to go? Maybe it’s a literal place — a neighbor in need, a new ministry, or even a distant mission field. Or maybe it’s an internal journey — a call to step out of self-focus and into deeper service and love for others.
Jesus shows us the way: prayerfully seek the Father’s will, then act with courage and clarity. The Good News isn’t meant to be hoarded; it’s meant to be shared. So, should you stay or should you go? The answer, like Jesus’, depends on the mission God has given you.