Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: September 4, 2024

Date: Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Luke 4:38-44

After Jesus left the synagogue, he entered the house of Simon. Simon’s mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever, and they interceded with him about her. He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up immediately and waited on them.

At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases brought them to him. He laid his hands on each of them and cured them. And demons also came out from many, shouting, “You are the Son of God.” But he rebuked them and did not allow them to speak because they knew that he was the Christ.

At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place. The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him, they tried to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, “To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent.” And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel for today from Luke reminds us of Jesus purpose, his mission, to which He was faithful day in and day out. Jesus’ love of and compassion for the suffering often marked his journey. He not only gave us teachings, but his example as both Son of God and Son of Man.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I understand my purpose in life? Have I truly sought to prayerfully discern it? How determined am I to be the one I am created to be?

Praying:

LORD, We are only because You will that we be. Your love is the source of our being and You call to us to return that love to You with our whole being. Send your Spirit to guide us on our journeys of faith, hope and love, to illuminate our minds and hearts so that we might recognize You in our moments, in our lives, in our world. Grant that we may become the ones You created us to be and the ones your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, died to redeem, and calls to discipleship. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.