Reflection
Jesus’ ministry is in full swing as we hear in today’s Gospel. Let’s reflect on how this passage can prepare us for our life as disciples of Jesus.
On the Sabbath in Capernaum, Jesus taught in the local synagogue and cast out a demon. And, on entering the house of Simon and Andrew, he healed Simon’s mother-in-law. He then had a meal with his new followers. These four actions anticipate our celebration of the New Sabbath, on Sunday. At Mass, we listen to and are taught by the Word of God. At the beginning of Mass, we confess our sins and receive forgiveness. At Mass, we are spiritually healed. The climax of the Mass is when we dine with Jesus and receive the Bread of Life and the Chalice of Salvation. Every Mass, we spiritually enter the house of Simon Peter, a symbol of the Church.
When the Sabbath is over, at sunset, the people begin to bring all who were sick or possessed by demons to the door of Simon Peter’s house. The people came to Peter’s house and experienced God’s care and mercy through Jesus. They were healed in body and spirit. The four fishermen, recently called by Jesus to leave their nets, began to observe how their new ministry as followers of Jesus would unfold. The nets of salvation they will cast to gather the people are spiritual nets of healing and mercy. When Jesus rose very early the next day and went off to pray, the disciples went searching for Him, hoping He would stay in their hometown longer. Just as Jesus rose early in the morning to pray before setting out again to preach and heal, we too, as disciples of Jesus need to begin our daily ministry in prayerful communion with the Father. Apart from God, we can do nothing of lasting value; with God, however, all things are possible.
Our daily ministry takes place wherever we are in our current state in life. It takes place in our place of work, our school, or our home. We minister to those the Lord places in our life each day. No matter who the people or where we are, our purpose is to help them either come to or return to the house of Peter, the Church. Prayer and our weekly visits to Peter’s house provides the fuel to allow God to work through us. As we cast the spiritual nets as disciples, God promises us great joy.
Today’s Questions for Prayer and Reflection
Do you approach each day with a joyful purpose to help others come to or return to Peter’s house?
Source for today’s reflection: https://epriest.com/reflections/view/2944