https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011024.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. Don’t worry about what you will say. 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:
For instance, “Lord, I give you Lou, who is so afraid for his wife who is having surgery tomorrow. Be with her, Lord, and assure Lou that You can do only what is good for Julie. Amen.” Or: “I give you Julie, Lord, who is having surgery. Amen.”
Jesus wants an invitation as He did with Peter.
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