Do you take for granted the graces and blessings you receive from God? Do you realize that you can thank God best by serving those in need? - Daily Reflections September 3,2014

SERVICE OUT OF GRATITUDE

 

There are several interesting points for reflection in today’s short Gospel. One is that Peter had a mother-in-law. Why is this interesting? Because it tells us that the “first pope” was married, not elected by cardinals but appointed by Jesus Himself. This could lead us to reflect about the practice of celibacy of priests in the Catholic Church.

       But let us concentrate for a while on this mother-in-law. She must have been a good mother-in-law because, as soon as Jesus entered the house, her family members asked Him to heal her. And that He did.

       Jesus performed miracles not to become famous. Even in the privacy of a small sick room, He healed one who needed His help. His healing miracles are signs of His compassion and of making God’s love visible.

       Let us have a look at her reaction to the healing. St. Luke writes, “She got up immediately and waited on them.”

       Here we find an important message and lesson. She received a great gift from Jesus — her healing. We could imagine that she would have sat down and rested for a while, or asked Peter’s wife to prepare a good meal while she recuperated. But no! It was she who served Jesus and His disciples! That was her way of thanking Jesus for what He had done for her.

       We receive many gifts and blessings from God. How often do we take them for granted? Do we even say “thank you” to God when we wake up healthy in the morning or go to sleep after a day spent in the best of health?

       Not only that. Do we realize that God gives us many gifts and blessings not only for ourselves but that we may use them in serving our fellowmen?

       And so, today’s Gospel urges us to cultivate our gratitude towards God and a more intense service towards our fellowmen. After all, as Jesus tells us in the famous parable about the Last Judgment, it is in those who are “hungry, thirsty, naked, in prison” that we meet and serve the Lord. More than our prayers, it is in serving those people that we can show our profound gratitude for all that God has done and continues to do for us. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Do you take for granted the graces and blessings you receive from God? Do you realize that you can thank God best by serving those in need?

 

Lord, open my eyes and my heart to recognize You whenever You approach me in the person of the poor, the naked, and the hungry person.