Gospel: Luke 4:38-44
After Jesus left the synagogue, he entered the house of Simon. Simon’s mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever, and they interceded with him about her. He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up immediately and waited on them.
At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases brought them to him. He laid his hands on each of them and cured them. And 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 Christ.
At 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. But 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.” And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
The Gospel of the Lord.
The Mass intention is for Annie Mc K’s intentions.
Reflection:
Covid-19 has slowed us all down. Some have been afflicted by the virus. Some have to stay at and/or work from home. Looking back at today’s Gospel, Simon’s mother-in-law had to slow down because of an illness. Her experience and ours these past few months are similar. And as she lied on her bed, an unexpected visitor came to heal her. What is remarkable of this woman was that after being healed, “She got up immediately and waited on them”. In some versions, the word “waited” is replaced by the word “served”.
We are all waiting for that time when the virus would be gone and restrictions be fully lifted. Jesus’ healing of the sick gives us hope that He will restore all things according to God’s will. Let us hang on, let us be patient. And when we are healed – physically, spiritually, morally, socially – let us also serve the Lord and His people, especially those who are still looking forward to their own healing.

· How did Jesus visit you during lockdown?
· What would be the first thing you would do once our church reopens?
· How can you bring Christ’s healing to others?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Fill us with hope as we patiently wait for Your healing. And when we are made whole, guide us to share Your Good News to others. Amen.
Sincerely,
Pietro