The Lectionary for this cycle (B) continues where it left off last Sunday, in Mark’s first chapter (vv. 29-39).  Jesus had just cured a demoniac in the synagogue, and now goes to Simon and Andrew’s house where He cures Simon’s mother-in-law from illness.  After dark, while still at the house, He heals and exorcises many who are brought to Him.  Despite the long day, Jesus gets up well before sunrise in order to go to a deserted place to pray.  As we should try to do, Jesus, despite the demands on Him, found a way to talk to His Father alone and without distraction.  Maybe for us it is during the wee hours of the morning.  Maybe it’s for a few minutes before we settle into bed.  Maybe it’s at morning or noon Mass, or in the last quarter of an hour during lunch break.  Maybe it’s listening to a rosary CD in the car.  As important as Jesus’ mission was (and there wasn’t, isn’t, and never will be, a more important charge), He realized the importance of getting away to pray.  Do we?  And if the time is cut short, don’t despair or get upset: Jesus was quickly found out and immediately went to nearby villages to continue preaching, “For this purpose have I come.” ( v. 38)