PRI Reflections on Scripture | Memorial of Saint Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

Gospel

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.

Reflection

Jesus wants to make clear his purpose. His purpose is to preach, to teach, to awaken people to who God is and ultimately what the Holy Spirit will be within them. But he also had miracles that he performed that were signs that prove that he was not just another person thinking that they were the Messiah. But the tension was difficult for him.

And it’s difficult for us because there are times when we turn to God and say, do this, do that, he doesn't and we lose faith in him. We need to focus on his message.

Closing Prayer

Father, we know you can do anything. But more important for us is that our faith in you opens us to the message that you long to place in our hearts. It's all about our role, helping you to do the work you came into this world to do. Bless us in our ministry. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross