Empower Your Faith / Wednesday of Week 22; Luke 4:38 – 44
September 06, 2023
GOSPEL
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:
The passage portrays Jesus as the ultimate healer and bearer of good news.
- Immediate Restoration: When Jesus rebuked the fever afflicting Simon’s mother-in-law, she didn’t just get better gradually; she was immediately restored. She then began to serve them. This highlights the immediacy and completeness of Jesus’ power to heal. In our own lives, when we encounter the healing touch of Jesus, it’s not just a patchwork remedy but a restoration that enables us to serve and fulfill our God-given purpose.
2. Jesus’ Authority Over Sickness and Evil: Just as He had authority in the synagogue to cast out demons, Jesus had the authority to heal sickness in the house of Simon. It signifies that no environment is out of reach for Jesus’ healing and saving power, whether it’s a religious setting or our personal homes.
3. The Universality of Jesus’ Mission: People brought all kinds of diseases and problems to Jesus, and He addressed each one. The variety of ailments and demons signifies the various challenges humanity faces, and yet, to each one, Jesus offers restoration. His mission is universal, not limited to a select few.
4. Solitude and Mission: Jesus, amidst his busy healing ministry, sought solitude. But even there, people came looking for Him. Jesus’ response gives insight into His mission – He wasn’t just there for temporary physical healing; He came to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God. He came for a spiritual transformation that lasts eternally.
5. Our Response: The immediate reaction of Simon’s mother-in-law upon being healed was to serve. When we experience God’s touch in our lives, a natural response is to serve others and proclaim His goodness.
As we reflect on today’s Gospel, it’s worth considering our personal encounters with Jesus. Have we allowed Him to touch and heal our deepest wounds and challenges? And when we’ve experienced His transformative power, how have we responded? Are we like Simon’s mother-in-law, serving with gratitude? Are we eager like the crowds, seeking Jesus in every circumstance? May we always seek to draw closer to Jesus, the source of all healing and good news, and share His message with everyone we encounter.
