The Cure of Simon’s Mother-in-Law

Today's Reflections

The Cure of Simon’s Mother-in-Law 

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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:

She waited on them. The Gospel presents Jesus as determined in proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom (even to the other towns) by preaching in the synagogues, curing the sick by laying his hands on them or rebuking a fever (in this case of Simon’s mother-in-law), and casting out demons. Thus Jesus is available for all, doing everything that is good, always reaching out to people.

The best attitude before God’s favor is shown by Simon’s mother-in-law. After being cured of fever, she immediately serves them. She attends to the domestic needs of Jesus and his disciples. She uses her recovered strength for renewed service. She is saved in order to help others. She is cured so she can take care of others, too.

Jesus heals us so that we can heal others.

In your case, how do you make use

of your restored health?

What forms of gratitude do you show to God?