The Gospel According to Luke 4:38-44
Jesus 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. So, he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them. At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. Moreover, 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 Messiah. At 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. But he said, “I must proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” and he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
Reflection: This gospel passage reminds me of the anointing of the sick that I have witnessed several times as a Deacon. It is a beautiful prayer and is worth sharing with all of you today.
During the Rite of Penance and the Anointing of the Sick, the priest begins with this prayer, “Beloved in Christ, the Lord Jesus is with us at all times, warming our hearts with his sacramental grace. Through his priests he forgives the sins of the repentant; he strengthens the sick through the holy anointing; to all who watch for his coming, he gives the food of his body and blood to sustain them on their journey, confirming their hope of eternal life. Our brother/sister has asked to receive these three sacraments: let us help him/her with our love and our prayers.
Jesus was giving all of himself to those who needed healing, which would seem to be exhausting to us. So many times, Jesus would always take some time to himself to give praise and thanks to the Father for all of the many blessings he had shared with him. We too, in the hard times of our lives, should take the time we need to be with be God in praise and solitude to also thank Him for all of the blessings that He has given us.
Action of the Day: As you rise from sleep each morning, take those first waking moments to thank our Lord for giving us another day on this earth.
Audio Reflection:
