First Reading - Colossians 1:1-8
Gospel - Luke 4:38-44
The first reading contains the words of appreciation and encouragement by Paul for the Christians in Colossae as a perfect example of participation in the teaching and preaching ministries of Jesus. He acknowledges their appreciation for the gospel which stands as their witnessing value for others and contains encouraging note to persevere in that. Paul also informs them about the spread of the good news among others.
Today’s Gospel tells us that preaching the Good News of God’s love, mercy and salvation, and healing the sick were the means Jesus used to build up the Kingdom of God. By preaching and healing, Jesus drew listeners to belief in a loving and providing God and to loving obedience to His will. We are told that Jesus drew renewed spiritual strength from God, His Father, every day by talking with and listening to Him, often in a desolate place at night.
Jesus was never tired of healing the sick, thus demonstrating the mercy and compassion of His Heavenly Father to every sick person who approached with trusting Faith. Having finished the day’s preaching in the synagogue on one Sabbath, Jesus went to Simon’s home and healed Simon’s mother-in-law of a fever. In the evening, when the Sabbath rest was over, people brought all their sick dear ones to Jesus for healing and exorcism. Jesus either concluded the day or, here, began the new day, by spending time with the Father in prayer in a lonely place.
Dear friends, we are called to continue Jesus’ preaching mission primarily by bearing witness to Christ through our day-to-day lives, radiating Christ’s mercy, love, forgiveness and spirit of humble service to all around us.
We can participate in Jesus’ healing mission by praying for the sick and by visiting, helping, and encouraging the sick and shut-ins. We, too, need to have our spiritual batteries recharged by prayer every day, as Jesus did.
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