In today’s Gospel we see the first moments of Our Lord’s earthly ministry continuing to take shape. After an impressive demonstration of authority and power in the synagogue, he comes to Simon Peter’s house and heals his mother-in-law. Soon people are coming from all over the village, bringing the sick and those afflicted by demons so that Our Lord can heal them and liberate them from evil. Despite this success, he knows he can’t just stay in one village, but bring his teaching and power everywhere.
Good News spreads fast. Today we live in a society where the Good News has been spread far and wide, yet people don’t come to Our Lord for healing and liberation from the evil afflicting their lives. Why? We have a duty to spread the Good News, but that’s not just quoting the bible chapter and verse, but by giving testimony to the impact Our Lord has had on our own lives. Those crowds in the Gospel today would not have heard anything if Our Lord had not taught, healed, or exorcised someone they new. Our Lord does call to those people who haven’t experienced him yet, but, like Samuel in today’s First Reading, they need help to recognize who is speaking to him and to respond.
Take a moment today to take stock of what a positive impact Our Lord has made on you and your family, and don’t be afraid to share the Good News far and wide.
Readings: 1 Samuel 3:1–10, 19–20; Psalm 40:2, 5, 7–10; Mark 1:29–39. See also 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Wednesday.