Mark paints a picture of utter normalcy as a result of Jesus' act of healing of Simon's mother-in-law. Jesus exhibited no unusual behavior in order to cause the healing, and the old woman exhibited no unusual behavior upon regaining her health. If Norman Rockwell had lived during Jesus' ministry, this event might have ended up on the cover of the next Saturday Evening Post.

There are those today who believe in the power of spirits, and in some ways, our contemporary superstitions are very similar to those in ancient times. Today's Gospel reports a healing of "a man with an unclean spirit." (Mark 1:23)

If you are the sort of person who expects the Scriptures to be literally correct about every detail you will be disappointed with this Sunday's Gospel reading.

In today’s Gospel reading Mary and Joseph perform the traditional Jewish naming ritual for the infant Jesus. A male child’s circumcision was both the enrollment in the covenant of Moses and the giving of a name. This baby was named Jesus because of Joseph’s dream in which he was told by an angel, “he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) The name Jesus means “God saves.”

While he was sleeping, Joseph had a dream of angels. When he awoke he had a command from God, but no instructions about how to carry it out or what to expect or what he would do with a child which was not his own. Joseph dreamed in the darkness of night, and acted in the darkness of faith. His grappling with incomprehensible circumstances gave the world Eternal Light and Salvation.

In this Sunday's Gospel we read the story of the Annunciation to Mary by the angel Gabriel. Annunciation stories are common in the Scriptures. Many of the patriarchs and prophets have their own annunciation stories.