REFLECTIONS TODAY
When Jesus started his ministry in the towns of Galilee, he would preach in the open: on the mountain, the plains, and the seashores. He would also preach in the synagogues where the Jews would gather on the Sabbath. Especially after the destruction of Solomon’s Temple (587 BC), the synagogue served as the Jewish place of worship where the community gathered to hear and reflect on the Word of God, and to discuss their community’s concern. They could not, however, offer burnt sacrifice as this was only allowed in the Temple. In the Gospel, after the synagogue service, Jesus’ attends to those in need, healing Peter’s mother-in-law and those afflicted with various diseases. He also casts out demons. But he begins his busy days by communing with his heavenly Father in a deserted place. His prayer and worship end with service. So, it is with us. At the end of the Mass, the priest says, “Ite, missa est” (“The Mass is ended, go in peace!”). It is a go-ahead signal to be active in the vineyard of the Lord
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.
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.