Gospel Reflections for February 4 2018
Long Lasting fuel
In today’s Gospel story, I see now why Jesus left town …before He cured everyone there who was sick. I got this from my recent experience on the freeway.
I was running out of gas, and not sure if I could make it to the next off ramp, or if there was even a gas station there. I didn’t want to run out of gas on the freeway! Then up ahead I saw a big, beautiful, wonderful gas station sign. I was so glad to see that station! I thought it was the most beautiful gas station in the whole world! I pulled in with a big smile and got the gas I needed to get home. However, the next day I could not have told you the name of that station. I had gotten what I needed and drove off, no longer worried about gas …or that station at all.
I think Jesus felt like that gas station in today’s Gospel. After healing Peter’s mother-in-law, the word was out about His healing powers. Soon, the whole town showed up; people with broken legs, headaches, or all kinds of illnesses. Anyone with a problem rushed to see the person who could make their pain go away. Jesus looked wonderful to them!
All of that is good. However, I’ll bet that after each cure …as they ran away happy …they soon forgot all about Jesus. People used Him for what they needed, and then moved on.
Jesus did not come to change broken legs …but to change broken lives. He did not come to cure every illness …but certainly to cure every soul …and in a way that leads to lasting happiness and eventually eternal life.
It is lasting change and happiness that Jesus provides; a good lesson for the Super Bowl, which certainly provides hours of great entertainment, but soon after our memories will fade and we are on to the next thing. Jesus is about things that last.
We want lasting change for our poorer parishes as well. Next week we will take up our annual collection for those places in Los Angeles that desperately need our help in our Together in Mission Campaign. Your donations, by law, can only be used for the intentions of those poorer parishes.
I may have forgotten that gas station, or last year’s Super Bowl, but I do not want to ever forget our brothers and sisters in these poorer parishes. I am glad our St. Bruno parishioners can help!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Yes, Father Dave, it is sad to think how quickly we forget the good things that God gives us. Many times I think that God has not given me what I need–what I want, only to find out later that it is for my good. I am trying to learn how to be more accepting of what God gives me.
A noble desire for sure, for all of us!
Father Dave, When I was a young teacher just having graduated from Marymount, I ran out of gas on the Freeway!! I went to a side lane and a wonderful gentleman pulled up and asked me what had happenend!! I told him about the gas and he said I just happened to have gas for you!!!! I believe he was my Guardian angel!! He was so special, I have never forgotten him though other wonderful occurences, I too have forgotten!!!! It is soooooooooooooooooooo precious Jesus came to cure the soul and that is what we must do, live His love and touch others with His Love!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeee our precious Jesus, our Mary and Our God!!!f Have a beautiful day sharing their Divine love for they live beautifully in YOU!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
How great that you met and angel …with a gas can too! Thanks for sharing the story.
Fr. Dave
Thank you for your reflection on the gospel. I really like the part about that Jesus came to cure every soul and that leads to lasting happiness.
God Bless
Jane
Yes, I think that is an important idea.
Father Dave, I hate to admit it, but this your first email I have read. I signed up a while ago, but never opened them when they came into my inbox. Last night I was praying to Jesus to help my 38 year old daughter’s broken leg, which was a break that required surgery and pins implanted. Today glancing through my inbox I saw your gospel reflections email and was drawn to open it. I was stunned when I read, “Jesus did not come to change broken legs …but to change broken lives.”
Thank you Father Dave.
Still saying the Holy Rosary online with you at …………………http://www.comepraytherosary.org/
That you happened to read this letter now, of all times! I guess it was meant to be read just now. I am very glad you found it helpful.
Father Dave, I too like the fact that Jesus didn’t come to cure every illness…but certainly to cure every soul.
Blessings,
Jim
It shows Jesus knows what is most important.
Father Dave, thank you for such beautiful reminder to not only seek God when we need Him, but each and every day. Going through trials is definitely a constant reminder of my need to not only seek Him but deepen my relationship with Him. I must remember to keep my eyes on Jesus, and not on my trials!
Blessings to you, Father Dave 😉
Well said! Thank you for your comments.