https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020424.cfm
Why wait?
If someone we were with became deadly ill right before us, what would be our first thought? Call 911. Every minute is vital to save a person’s life. How silly it would be for us to tell the person, “I’ll get a doctor later when I get around to it.”
When people tell us about some difficulty or illness, we often tell them, “I will pray for you” or “I’ll keep you in my prayers.” Why wait? The disciples didn’t wait to bring Peter’s mother-in-law, who lay sick with a fever, to Jesus. Mark writes, “They immediately told Jesus about her.
Like someone becoming deathly ill and we immediately call 911, the moment of grace, the healing, and the reconciling power of Jesus is the very moment people come to us with something wrong. I can’t say how many times I have done this, and people always come back and witness how the Lord has healed, led, consoled, and did only what God can do.
Pray immediately. The Holy Spirit will pray in you. The Lord Jesus will respond like any good doctor. Capture the moment of grace immediately for someone.
Gospel Challenge:
It’s not the number of words you use but the love in your heart for the person. Simply pray, “I give you Julie, Lord, who is having surgery. Amen.” Like Mother Mary told her Son at the wedding of Cana, “Son they have no wine.”
That was all he needed to work his miracle. We don’t need to tell Jesus what to do. He already knows what He wants to do for our friend.
All Jesus wants is an invitation, as He did with Peter. Do you see? “They told Jesus about Peter’s mother-in-law.” “Son, they have no wine.” “Jesus, Julie is having surgery.” An invitation is all Jesus needs.
Love Your Neighbor:
Please join me in praying for all baptized Catholics to be faithful to Jesus in the Holy Mass every weekend. Hail Mary, full of grace…
Mother Mary, “I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you, I always want to belong completely to Jesus.” The Surrender Novena – InHeartland. https://inheartland.com/pages/the-surrender-novena
Peace be with you. Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
pastor@bscchurch.com
