The importance of Leaving the Synagogue and going to the House of Simon Peter

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 22nd  Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 4:38-44*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 3:1-9*

*The importance of Leaving the Synagogue and going to the House of Simon Peter*

*1) The Significance of Synagogue*

For Jews, synagogue was an important place 

People came to synagogue to listen to the word of God and to pray 

Jesus also went to the synagogue, to preach the word of God and to pray 

We find in today's Gospel that Jesus was coming out of the Synagogue. This tells us that Jesus was there in the Synagogue

*2) Jesus in the Synagogue*

There are many instances in the Gospel where we see Jesus in the Synagogue. 

Jesus went to the synagogue either to pray or the preach the Kingdom of Heaven 

Since many people were coming to the synagogue Jesus used this opportunity to teach and preach the Gospel

*3) Jesus Coming out of the Synagogue*

It is very important to notice Jesus departure from the synagogue and the next destiny 

From synagogue Jesus straight away goes to Simon Peters house in order to heal her from the fever 

In fact Jesus healed her from the fever and she became well 

So the question is, from where did Jesus get the strength to perform this miracle 

So we can naturally conclude that Jesus got this power from prayer 

This line of thinking helps us to conclude that Jesus starts His ministry after spending sufficient time in prayer 

Prayer experience of Jesus and the healing of the mother in law of Peter is closely connected 

So prayer is powerful and responsible for performing the miracles and doing the great works 

*4) The power of Prayer*

The Gospel of the day helps us to understand the power of prayer from the life of Jesus 

In fact there are many instances where Jesus starts His ministry after praying to the Father 

Today's event is one among them, where Jesus after finishing the prayer goes into the healing ministry and we see the miracles

*5) Synagogues in our life*

There are many places today which can be identified with synagogues in our life 

The Church where we spend time in praying 

The Holy and pilgrim centres 

The Altar in our house 

The Ward meetings 

Any gathering, which promotes the unity and solidarity

*6) What happens in our life, aftering returning from prayer*

Jesus after returning from the synagogue, started His ministry, by performing the miracles

What happens to us while returning from the church or pilgrim places 

 Do I  try to live the preached Gospel like Jesus???

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*