Gospel LK 4:38-44

After Jesus left the synagogue, he entered the house of Simon.
Simon’s mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever,
and they interceded with him about her.
He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her.
She got up immediately and waited on them.
At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases
brought them to him.
He laid his hands on each of them and cured them.
And demons also came out from many, shouting, “You are the Son of God.”
But he rebuked them and did not allow them to speak
because they knew that he was the Christ.
At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place.
The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him,
they tried to prevent him from leaving them.
But he said to them, “To the other towns also
I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God,
because for this purpose I have been sent.”
And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
Reflection:
“After Jesus left the synagogue, he entered the house of Simon.
Simon’s mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever,
and they interceded with him about her.”
To intercede is “to be speak to someone in order to help another person.”
Simon (Peter) and the other disciples spoke to Jesus and asked Him to help Simon’s mother-in-law.
“He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her.”
As people who believe in Jesus, we also “intercede,” asking Him to help others.
Our prayers may not always be answered in the way that we desire. But, we still trust that God knows what is best for those whom we pray.
“But he said to them, “To the other towns also
I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God,
because for this purpose I have been sent.”
Like Jesus, we must be willing to proclaim the good news to those other than our family and friends.
For we,  too, have been sent for a purpose: “To spread the love and hope of Jesus Christ.
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.”                   – – Mark 16:15