Reflection
In Today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a glimpse of his ministerial actions that we are called to continue today.
The image of Jesus entering the house of Peter and Andrew is a powerful one. The same Jesus enters the “house” of our soul and transforms us through his grace. Just as Peter’s mother-in-law was healed and elevated, the grace we receive from Christ has a healing dimension and an elevating dimension to it. We are also told that Jesus entered the house after leaving the synagogue. This “ministerial action” is an example for us. When we attend mass on Sunday we shouldn’t leave Jesus or our faith behind at the church. Rather, we should bring Jesus into our homes and the homes of our friends. Nurtured by the Eucharist, we can bring joy, peace and healing into the lives of others.
The Gospel today ends with a phrase that summarizes the deepest longing of every human being: “Everyone is looking for you!” We are all looking for Jesus. We want to encounter him in the Holy Spirit to come to know the Father. The Catechism teaches, “The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for” (CCC, 27). Like the disciples, we long for Jesus as our source of comfort, peace, and love. Like those searching for healing, we long for his healing presence when we find ourselves in times of trouble. Our longing for Jesus must come from every part of our being. As the Catechism again teaches, “Although man can forget God or reject him, He never ceases to call every man to seek him, so as to find life and happiness. But this search for God demands of man every effort of intellect, a sound will, ‘an upright heart,’ as well as the witness of others who teach him to seek God” (CCC, 30).
Like Peter’s mother-in-law, when we are healed by Jesus, we must respond in gratitude, returning His love with our loving service. Even in our everyday life, we play a part in the ministry of Jesus by serving others with love and humility.
Today’s Questions for Prayer and Reflection
As I contemplate the hidden, quiet ministry of Peter’s mother-in-law, what does this contemplation inspire? How can I serve and minister to others like her?
Source for today’s reflection: https://epriest.com/reflections/view/3310