Out to a deserted place

Out to a deserted place, Jesus takes his leave to pray,

Seeking holy solitude at the close of frantic day.

 

When they came from synagogue, Simon's mother-in-law lay

Fever-bound in bed, until Jesus took it all away.

 

This news spread around, and so multitudes for healing came.

All the city gathered there; Jesus healed them all the same.

 

So to a deserted place Jesus takes his leave to pray,

Then to other towns they go, spreading gospel on the way.

 

 

TEXT: Charles Spence Freeman, January 2024, after Mark 1:29-39.

MUSIC: Tune AUS DER TIEFE RUFE ICH, attr. Martin Herbst, 1676,

 

 

Back to lectionary readings, now for year B, present or anticipated. It feels like the gospel of Mark doesn't get much love hymn-wise, and if I say it's my favorite gospel (and I do) then it logically follows that I should try to do something about that lack of love.