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 for this purpose I have been sent.” And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
HE WAS PREACHING: IN THE SYNAGOGUES OF JUDEA
Jesus’ priority as a prophet is preaching the Kingdom of God. He does it in the synagogues where people gather together every Sabbath for worship. Jesus wants to talk when people are prepared and disposed to listen. The synagogues are the proper places where rabbis teach best.
It may be surprising that, this early, Jesus is now preaching in Judea. Luke locates him also in this area far from Galilee. The passage starts in Capernaum. Jesus preaches in the synagogue there, goes to heal Peter’s mother-in-law and other sick people, and performs some exorcisms. Early in the morning, Jesus starts a new journey. People try to prevent him. They like to keep him with them. But Jesus insists that he has to go to other places. He is an itinerant preacher and should not be limited to one place.
Now Jesus is in Judea. He has gone very far indeed. The Kingdom of God must spread out: this is God’s will. Jesus is focused on his mission. His message must be heard by people. He should move from one place to another and cover a vast area. He cannot be encumbered by a group’s desire to have all their sick cured and their demoniacs exorcised.
Has your mission become social work confined only to one place?
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2017” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
