Daily Readings - Wed Sep 01 2021
Luke
38And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon's house. Now Simon's mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf.39And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them.40Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them.41And demons also came out of many, crying, "You are the Son of God!" But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.42And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them,43but he said to them, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose."44And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
Sermon
In today’s Gospel, we witness Jesus’ compassionate power as He heals Peter’s mother-in-law and many others, followed by His dedication to spreading the Good News. After healing her, she immediately serves them, illustrating how faith leads to action. As evening falls, Jesus heals various ailments and casts out demons, affirming His divine authority. Despite the crowds’ eagerness to keep Him, Jesus insists on preaching in other cities, driven by His mission to fulfill God’s plan.
This passage follows Jesus’ proclamation in the synagogue, where He identified Himself as the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. His actions here validate His words, showcasing His authority and compassion. The healings and exorcisms demonstrate the Kingdom of God’s power over human suffering, while His departure underscores the broader mission beyond physical healing, emphasizing the need to spread the Gospel.
In our lives, we can apply this by trusting in God’s providence, especially in times of struggle. Just as Jesus healed and preached, we are called to both serve and share our faith. The balance between action and proclamation reminds us to care for others and to be ambassadors of Christ. Let us embrace this dual call, trusting in God’s plan and actively participating in His mission, just as Jesus did.