Faith Daily | 31 August 2022

PRAYER of the DAY - APBA p576

Lord of all power and might,

the author and giver of all good things:

grant in our hearts the love of your name,

increase in us true religion,

nourish us with all goodness,

and of your great mercy keep us in the same;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

GOSPEL for the Day: Luke 4: 38-44

38 After leaving the synagogue he entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. 39Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them.

40 As the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them. 41Demons also came out of many, shouting, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Messiah.*

42 At daybreak he departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them. 43But he said to them, ‘I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.’ 44So he continued proclaiming the message in the synagogues of Judea.

GOSPEL REFLECTION: Mary Dean

In this passage we hear about 24 hours in the life of the Saviour of the World. His day begins alone in conversation with his heavenly Father. He then makes his way to join his brothers and sisters for worship in the local synagogue. Then a visit to the home of Peter whose mother-in-law is feeling feverish. After curing her, he is happy to remain on for the meal she prepares for himself and other guests. (His diary was full!)

People, hearing of his visit, are bringing their sick from the surrounding neighbourhood in the hope of a cure. All are delighted - only the demons are disappointed. His very presence is enough to silence them. Then he leaves to bring the good news to other places.

He is very clear as to his purpose and this clarity gives him authority and focus.

It may seem surprising that Jesus turned away the crowds who went looking for him. His point of view was different from what might be expected. He spoke from his intimate relationship with his Father.

Jesus stayed committed to his earthly business - V 43 “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns also, because that is what God sent me to do”.

This makes me question my day to day life - am I organised? - is my daily goal to seek God’s wisdom and strength to be aware of the needs of others and where I can give compassion and help, and in so doing by my actions can point others to Christ who is our Saviour, and has eternal life prepared for all who love him. “Actions speak louder than words” comes to mind!

FINAL PRAYER

“Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart, naught be all else to me, save that Thou art

Thou my best thought, by day or by night, waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light”.

Amen.