“The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.” ― Soren Kierkegaard: (1813 –1855: was a Danish philosopher, theologian, & poet)
Gospel Text: (LK 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.
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.
In the Gospel reading we see a typical day in the Lord's public ministry. He begins by going to a deserted place to commune in prayer with his Father. His closeness to his Father gives him the strength for his daily activities. Jesus proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God, preaching in the synagogues. He healed the sick, cured lepers and expelled evil spirits from those possessed.
We can ask ourselves about our prayer life. Jesus remained close to his Father in prayer. Do we set time daily for meaningful contact with God? Do we pray only when we need something? Are we grateful to God for the blessings we receive each day? Do we include and involve the family in daily and regular prayer? How seriously do I take attendance at Sunday Mass at the parish?
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