On A Mission

Luke 4: 38-44

Jesus Heals Many

³⁸ 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. ³⁹ So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them.

⁴⁰ At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. ⁴¹ 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.

⁴² 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. ⁴³ 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.” ⁴⁴ And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

 What a day! After nearly being thrown off a cliff Jesus slips away to continue preaching and healing, but arriving at Peter's home, finds Peter's mother-in-law in need of healing, which he quickly does, but then, in spite of his need for a relaxing evening, another mob approaches begging for healing, which he accommodates. After a short night's sleep, Jesus is up at daybreak to find solitude for prayer, but again, the crowd finds him. Jesus responds by saying he must visit other town to crowds eager to hear "the good news."  It's exhausting just reading about the endless demands and the generous response of Jesus.

In him we have the model and example of what we might do, even when we feel we've done enough:  just keep on giving and trust that God  will give us the grace and strength to continue our mission, just as Jesus did.  It might seem impossible as we read this, but God will not be outdone in generosity nor will his promises go unfulfilled. May our prayer be that of Mary:  "Behold, the servant of the Lord. Be it done to me according to your word." (Lk 1:38)

Bro. Rene