Wednesday of Week 22 – 1 Cor 3:1-9; Ps 144; Luke 4:38-44

At sunset all those who had friends suffering from diseases of one kind or another brought them to him.

He didn’t refuse help, despite being exhausted or the time of the day. He was prepared to bring it to anyone. He healed the mother-in-law of Peter and also many other people. But these were brought by friends, family or neighbours. Helpless in the face of the suffering, they weren’t indifferent to it. They did what they could – they brought them to Jesus and asked He cured them. Maybe it wasn’t much, but what great fruit the service brought – their loved ones regained health in a wonderful way.

We’re talking here about the need to love our neighbour. But, today, isn’t it just meaningless words, some empty declaration? We live in a world where many, maybe us too, don’t notice the other person and their needs. Self-focussed and perhaps wasting many opportunities for Jesus to work wonders with human help. It’s a good thing open the heart and eyes following the example of the characters of today’s Gospel and notice those who wait for us to remember them and our support.

Lord Jesus Christ, I also cry out like the crowds of today’s Gospel: “Don’t leave”. Please, lay Your hands on me and heal me so that I can – filled with Your grace – effectively serve others. You live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.