Lk 4:38-44
38After he left the synagogue, [Jesus] entered the house of Simon. Simon’s mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever, and they interceded with him about her. 39He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up immediately and waited on them.
40At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases brought them to him. He laid his hands on each of them and cured them. 41And 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 Messiah.
42At 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. 43But 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.” 44And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
Reflection:
Jesus went to a deserted place. We often feel so tired that we want to give up on our many tasks and responsibilities. But look at the daily schedule of Jesus: he is traveling the whole day, at sunset he heals all the sick brought to him and casts out demons, and at daybreak the next day he goes out to pray and then proceeds to other towns to continue preaching. Whew! We may collapse with that kind of schedule.
What sustains Jesus? First, in spite of his busy schedule, he finds and makes time to pray. We need not only physical strength to survive today’s challenges. We need more inner strength to see us through.
Second, he has time for doing good to people whom he does not even know. Many people find strength and meaning in secretly helping unknown poor people who are in need. It is not only good therapy but a real source of joy and peace. Learn from Jesus and you will never run out of energy.
I met an old woman who was 104 years old. “What is your secret?” I asked her. “Oh, Father,” she replied, “I do not have a dirty mind. And I do not have a foul mouth!”
Praise and serve your in-laws this weekend.