Luke 4:38-44

Meditatio (Reflecting)

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.

Oratio (Responding)

A lot of feminists love to use this reading to impugn Jesus, as a mysoginist, or at the very least the society that “tells women that they have to serve.” I suggest an alternative explanation. Simon’s mother was very ill, we have all been sick with a high fever, and we can all confirm that it is miserable. I believe that when Jesus rebuked the fever, it was likely immediately gone. Can you imagine being completely, instantaneously, relieved of a fever and sickness like that? I bet she had never felt better in her life. So my theory is that she, feeling amazing, wanted to do something in return for this man that just did a miracle in her life. She was a mother and a wife, and the one thing she knew how to do was to take care of her family and thus welcoming Jesus into her family, she did the small thing she could, and took care of Jesus, and the other members of her family. I do not see this as anything other than a beautiful response of love to an amazing gift from God. It should not be contorted into anything other than that. So I ask you, what gifts has god given you in your life? Have you recognized them for the miracles that they are? if not, why not? God is constantly working in our lives daily, and he is constantly healing all kinds of maladies. Do you recognize that? Today look for the “little” miracles that happen all the time, and use them as an opportunity to move closer to god, and to invite god into your family as well.

Contemplatio (Contemplating)

Take time to simply remain in the presence of God.

Resolutio (Resolving)

Oh lord, help me today to rcognize you, and the crucial part you play in our daily lives. And when I see your guiding hand, help me to respond to it with love and appreciation. Amen.