The Word OF GOD REMAINS FOREVER

THE WORD OF GOD REMAINS FOR EVER AND IT IS THE GOOD NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU*

(WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 04, 2019)

Today’s readings indicate a very simple and recurring message that can be summed up in two words: trust and grace. The concepts of trust and grace are two important virtues along with faith, hope, and love. While the words are simple, the concepts are nothing short of awesome.

St. Paul reminds us that hope is at the centre of our Christian belief. God may not answer a prayer in the way we wished - but we may see later that He did answer it.

Today’s gospel reading depicts Jesus on the move. we find Jesus speaking about His purpose in life. He says to the crowds, “To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God because for this purpose I have been sent.” We see a Jesus who leaves the synagogue, enters the house of Simon, rebukes a fever, lays hands on the sick, cures the multitudes and sets out to preach in other synagogues.

Despite being occupied with His ministry Jesus always finds time to be alone in a lonely place to pray and to commit His entire business in the hands of His Father. Jesus believes so much on the maxim that there is time for everything. Time to work, to do business, time to study and time to pray, to commit our entire being to the owner of all we have and are.

The gospel of today indeed presents a great moment in Jesus' ministry of service! He served with compassion by healing the sick and alleviating the sufferings of others. His words touched their hearts and addressed their concerns. His miracles brought the health of mind and body. Yet, for Jesus, His main mission was to proclaim the Good News to many. While, at times, there were places where He had been rejected, many wanted more of His time and presence.

He served with love by spending quality time with His Father from whom He drew strength. He served in total obedience by bringing God's message not to a select few but to all. While serving, He never begged off and hardly rested. Without doubt, Jesus has set a remarkable example of true service. He showed us that true greatness is not found in power but in helping others. He showed us that it is perfectly fine to work hard for others but we must also put personal time for prayer for spiritual renewal and strength. Most importantly, He showed us that the healing of our souls is just as important as the healing of our bodies. What are those things that are bothering us today? Let us present them to Jesus as the people in the gospel of today did and they went home happy. Let us place our trust in Christ because He will never disappoint us.

Let Us Pray: Lord Jesus, give me grace to hold unto you firmly with faith and to always do your will in serving humanity. Amen