The cure of Simon’s mother-in-law

After He left the synagogue, Jesus entered the house of Simon. Simon’s motherin-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 TO THE OTHER TOWNS ALSO.

After healing Peter’s mother-in-law and other sick people and driving out demons, as He often does, Jesus seeks solitude in a deserted place. He escapes from the crowds to be alone, but the people track Him down and petition Him to stay with them. They want to possess Jesus and have Him perform miracles only for them. But Jesus declines their invitation and declares that He must preach the good news of the Kingdom to others, outside of Galilee. Jesus’ determination [“I must”] is the reason for His preaching and healing. The Kingdom is the good news that He preaches to all. His mission is universal: The good news cannot be limited to one place or one people; it is for all. Through our words and deeds, let us tell everyone the good news that the Kingdom of God has come.

Through our words and deeds, let us tell everone the good news that the Kingdom of God has come.