Daily Readings - Wed Sep 01 2021
Luke
38Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her.39So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them.40When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them.41Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, "You are the Son of God!" But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Christ.42At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them.43But he said, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent."44And he kept on 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.