Gospel Reading: 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 of this purpose I have been sent.” And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
REFLECTION
They interceded with Him about Her
In Luke’s arrangement of materials from his source (Mk 1:29-31), Simon is mentioned here for the first time. He is presented as a married man (cf 1 Cor 9:5) owning a house; his mother-in-law is either staying with him or visiting there. Luke alters his source to stress the miraculous element, especially since the subject is a woman (the evangelist shows special interest in women in his Gospel). He heightens the scene: the fever is described, the healing is commanded, and the result is immediate.
Thus, Jesus’ concern for both men and women, for those possessed by evil spirits, and for the sick, is brought out here. Situated as it is before the call of Simon, the healing also helps the reader to understand Simon’s eagerness to do what Jesus says and to follow him. Simon and his family receive God’s blessing through Jesus, the “prophet” from Nazareth.
Do you believe that prayers help the sick?
Do you pray for the grace of healing for members of your family and friends?
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord,” ST PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.