Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.
Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.
They immediately told him about her.
He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.
Then the fever left her and she waited on them.
When it was evening, after sunset,
they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.
The whole town was gathered at the door.
He cured many who were sick with various diseases,
and he drove out many demons,
not permitting them to speak because they knew him.
Rising very early before dawn, he left
and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.
Simon and those who were with him pursued him
and on finding him said, "Everyone is looking for you."
He told them, "Let us go on to the nearby villages
that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come."
So he went into their synagogues,
preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.
REFLECTION
"Let us go on to the nearby villages
that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come."
My desert time is early morning, with a cup of coffee, blanket and my prayers. Whether I read the day's Mass readings, catch up on Catholic news, read a spiritual book, pray the Office or pray set written prayers, rosary or seven sorrows of Mary, I am there to be with God.My early morning routine brings me peace, helps me present to God my worries, health issues, family members and in the quiet of the morning ask God for His guidance, His will.
Today He says , "Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also, For this have I come."
I don't have the gift of preaching, speaking in front of crowds, speaking without the added "you knows " and "uh". I must confess that just recently I heard the priest yawning during my confession.
Our mission is to preach about repentance and go out and make disciples. What lessons can Job ( first reading) and his friends teach us on how to preach no matter what our circumstances or gifts ? Through Job I have learned:
-God is omnipotent and omniscient. He created the world and has dominion over the devil.
-God knows our thoughts. Let Him straighten them out for us.
-God controls everything. Nothing happens without His direct and indirect control.
-Trust in God.
-We don't have to understand God's ways.
-Never misrepresent God.
-Our gifts are of unmerited grace and not God's reward for spirituality and morality.
-We are to rebuke, but in kindness, and to share the good news of the Word.
-We are unworthy and totally dependent on our Creator.
-Pray for our friends and enemies. Do not be bogged down with bitterness or vengeance.
-Forgiveness.
-Always speak the truth.
-There is never a promise of prosperity . We are not owed anything.
-We have a mediator and a Redeemer in God.
-Never compromise God's laws and teachings.
Job was a man who loved God and in spite of his misfortunes, losses, toxic wife and friends, he preached Love for the One he loved.
Not front stage with crowds waiting on his every word but he preached by example: specifically how he handled himself during his sufferings. Yes, we can even learn from his "comforting friends" and wife. His indirect preaching on trusting God stands out this morning.
Trust in God and believe He is all powerful. He promises eternal glory to all who repent and follow His Commandments. Love Him and love our neighbor.
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