Little words, big message – Wednesday, 22nd week in ordinary time – Lk 4:38-44
Often, a little word as small as ‘all’ may be lost to us in a narrative; ironically that is perhaps the most important word in a narrative or pericope. The Gospels were not written to give us a biography of Jesus but rather a post resurrection faith narrative. The primary purpose of the Gospel was not just to cover a couple of ‘where did Jesus go’ and ‘what did Jesus do’ but a communication of faith to a community of believers.
We are studying the Gospel of Luke and clearly Luke’s audience is a Gentile one. Keep in mind that Luke is a companion of Paul on his missionary journeys and there was no greater champion for the Gentile mission than St Paul. And so plays out this little word “all”, for Luke wants to show that Jesus had come for all and “all those who were sick came to Him” and He laid His hands on “each of them.” The Gospel of Luke is inclusive, no one is left out.
However within this greater “all” of the Gospel of Luke, a certain preferential option on the part of Jesus is out on display. This is seen in particular for women, the marginalised and the poor. Jesus, having left the synagogue now arrives at Simon’s house. Curiously you will notice that in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus has first visited Simon’s house, who having experienced this encounter and the subsequent one of the great catch will then be drawn into Jesus net of disciples. For Luke, it is the “being” with Jesus that draws one closer to discipleship.
The miracle performed by Jesus in Simon’s home over his mother in law may seem a bit trivial to a modern mind. Today, a paracetamol can easily cure even a high fever but paracetamols were a long way coming at the time of Jesus. Not only was every illness linked to a ‘sinful condition’ in a person if not to some sort of ‘demonic possession’ but a fever at the time of Jesus was a deadly affair, often leading to death. It is to make the power and position of Jesus clear, that Luke will use the words “He stood over her” and “rebuked the fever”. The healing is instantaneous so much so that Simon’s mother in law got up and began to serve “them”.
Sad bt true. We’ve all been instilled with the attitude of “return in the same amount given to u & to the giver itself”. An obligation if u will. & Once the obligation is fulfilled we go on our merry way, oblivious to the fact that that person may still Need us around for various other reasons. & God forbid we Ever take the initial step to help others if they haven’t helped us first. Only people with “nothing to do” help others out of their own free will, especially if there’s absolutely Nothing that we can expect in return from that person 😀. When will we learn?!!
Most of the time I do a favour only to the one who did a favour for me.O Lord please help me to follow the example of Simon’s mother in law .
Wow thank you Fr .I am checking after long as I was caught with personal travel issues .the audio option is as good as the you tube and so grateful as my son’s can again njoy the teaching in your voice …all over again.
Happy Teachers day to you today 💐💐💐🙌🙌🙌
And thank you for this effort you make everyday teaching as Jesus did.
Prayed for you @ Lourdes with a petition in the box.Mother Mary has been generous with very many of my petitions placed there.I know she will grant you favour too.
Wow..Fr. Warner…so much so much in this reflection. Missed reading it yesterday. Your observation on words and phrases and their significance truly brings the msg of Jesus alive. The lessons for us to practise are going to be my guidelines.