Wednesday 6 September 2023

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Today is Wednesday 6 September, in the 22nd week of Ordinary time.

One Hope Project sings, ‘My Soul Rests’.

Here in this mystery

Here in Your majesty

I find myself

With nothing to offer

Your love surrounds me

You give me yourself

My soul rests, my soul rests

In your embrace

My spirit sings, my spirit sings

All your praise

Here in your presence

The whole host of heaven

Bows down low

There’s no higher honour

No love that’s greater

You make us your own

You’re so close, Jesus, so close to me

Like the breath in my lungs

You’re so close, Jesus, so close to me

Like the breath in my lungs

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 4:38-44

After leaving the synagogue he entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them.

As the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them. Demons also came out of many, shouting, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Messiah.

At daybreak he departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, ‘I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.’ So he continued proclaiming the message in the synagogues of Judea.

Jesus has come to Simon’s house to eat, to rest. But then, entering the house, he is called to Simon's mother-in-law lying ill with a fever. Standing at the doorway of this house, witness his healing touch, his immediate response to her need. What response does this raise within you?

As Jesus continues to minister to the people, we witness to the power of compassion and the importance of being present for others.

In time, Jesus withdraws to a deserted place to be with his Father. Do you ever feel that the needs of the world are all consuming? How do Jesus’ actions speak to you of the need to take time for reflection and spiritual renewal?

As the morning dawns, Jesus makes a different response to the needs of the crowd. His ministry is for the world. How might you have responded?

As we listen to the passage again, notice how Jesus reacts to each call for attention. He is clear in his discernment of the Father’s wishes.

‘I was sent for this purpose’. As you seek to discern your own path, ask the Lord to inspire you to follow in his footsteps, to find meaning in service and richness in compassion.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.