In today’s Gospel we look at how the four apostles seek our Lord’s help to heal St Peter’s mother-in-law of her fever. How often do we have the courage to bring our family, relatives, and friends to our Lord when they are wounded, lost, confused and in need of healing? Most of the time we try to counsel, rely on our own knowledge and understanding to offer free advice. Are we willing to hold their hand just like Christ “grasped” St Peter’s mother-in-law’s hand and walk with them through their suffering?
A simple act of checking on them, preparing a meal for them when they need a rest, accompanying them to visit the doctor, or even offering to babysit while they take a break is more effective in witnessing and encountering Christ who lives in us than giving free advice. Isn’t our goal ultimately to bring our brethren closer to Christ through our daily actions and words? St Thomas Aquinas says that, “to convert somebody, go and take them by the hand and guide them”. In the Gospel reading according to Mark 1:32, after witnessing the healing touch of our Lord the apostles were moved to bring “the sick with various diseases and those possessed with demons to Christ till the whole town was gathered at the door”. Their actions revealed their charitable, courageous, kind, and considerate nature. Are we concerned enough to bring our loved ones for Eucharistic Celebration, Eucharistic Adoration, Healing Mass or gently nudge them to experience the healing power of Christ through the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
May our Lord grant us the grace to imitate the saints and the humility to bring ourselves and our whole community to our Saviour and Lord who is the only cure for all our sicknesses and woundedness.
Written by Mary