Gospel
Luke 4:38-44
38 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. 39 He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up immediately and waited on them. 40 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. 41 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. 42 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. 43 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.” 44 And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
Historical Background
This passage takes place in Capernaum, a fishing village on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus had just taught in the synagogue and healed a man possessed by a demon (Luke 4:31–37).
Jesus enters the home of Simon Peter, whose mother-in-law is sick with a high fever. Homes in that era were modest, often with shared living spaces, and hospitality was a sacred duty.
As Sabbath ends at sunset, people begin bringing the sick to Jesus—highlighting both the communal concern and the growing reputation of Jesus as a healer.
Jesus retreats early the next morning to pray, a common practice among Jewish teachers and prophets seeking solitude with God.
Theological Context
Jesus rebukes the fever and casts out demons, demonstrating divine authority over both physical and spiritual affliction. Demons recognize Him as “the Son of God,” but Jesus silences them—perhaps to avoid premature or misunderstood declarations of His messianic role.
Jesus resists the crowd’s desire to keep Him in Capernaum, affirming His purpose: to preach the Kingdom of God to other towns. This reflects His obedience to the Father’s will and the universal scope of His mission.
Learning Lessons
Jesus didn’t let popularity distract Him from His calling. We too must discern between good opportunities and God’s assignments. Even amid success and demand, Jesus prioritizes communion with the Father. Solitude and prayer are not luxuries—they’re lifelines.
The crowd wanted to keep Jesus for themselves. But the Gospel is meant to be shared, not monopolized. True healing often leads to grateful action.
Healing into Humble Action
At Simon’s doorstep, fever fled,
A whispered word, the sick were led.
Hands outstretched in twilight’s glow,
Mercy moved where pain did grow.
Demons shrieked, “You are the One!”
But silence fell—His work not done.
He rose before the morning light,
To seek the Father out of sight.
Crowds would cling, but He would go,
To sow the seeds where none yet know.
O Lord, whose touch the soul revives,
Let healing bloom in servant lives.
Lord Jesus,
You entered the home of Simon and brought healing with a word. You touched the broken, silenced the tormentors, and restored the weary. Yet even in acclaim, You withdrew to pray—anchored in the Father’s will.
Teach me to serve like Simon’s mother-in-law, to rise from healing into humble action. Help me not to cling to You selfishly, but to share You freely with those who hunger for hope.
Give me discernment to follow Your mission, and the courage to walk where You lead. In Your name, the name above all names,
Amen.
Pericope:
IV: The Ministry in Galilee
THE CURE OF SIMON'S MOTHER-IN-LAW / OTHER HEALINGS / JESUS LEAVES CAPERNAUM
Luke 4:38-39 / 40-41 / 42-44
Gospel Acclamation
The Lord sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor and to proclaim liberty to captives.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot