I trust in the mercy of God forever.

 

Healing, Service, and Mission

(Tuesday, September 2, 2025 – Memorial of Saint Gregory the Great)

First Reading

Colossians 1:1–8

Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the holy ones and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae: grace to you and peace from God our Father. 

We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the holy ones because of the hope reserved for you in heaven. Of this you have already heard through the word of truth, the Gospel, that has come to you. Just as in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing, so also among you, from the day you heard it and came to know the grace of God in truth, as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow slave, who is a trustworthy minister of Christ on your behalf and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. USCCB

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 52:10–11

Response: I trust in the mercy of God for ever.

I, like a green olive tree in the house of God, trust in the mercy of God forever and ever.

I will thank you always for what you have done, and proclaim the goodness of your name before your faithful ones. USCCB

Alleluia (Gospel Acclamation)

Luke 4:18

Alleluia, alleluia.
The Lord sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor and to proclaim liberty to captives. Alleluia. USCCB

Gospel

Luke 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. USCCB

I. Introduction

Today’s liturgy presents the Gospel from Luke 4:38–44, where Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law, tends to the sick and possessed, and then proclaims that He must also bring the Good News to other towns. Alongside the First Reading (Colossians 1:1–8) and the Psalm (Psalm 52:10–11), the message is clear: faith is not passive but active, bearing fruit in love and service.

The readings highlight three movements: healing, service, and mission. When Jesus heals, it is never for comfort alone but for restoration into loving action and for empowerment to continue His mission. This mirrors the life of Saint Gregory the Great, whose papacy was marked by deep humility, pastoral care, and a missionary vision for the Church.

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II. Reflection

In the Gospel, Simon’s mother-in-law, once healed, “got up immediately and served them.” Her response embodies the true meaning of healing: it restores us for service. Christian life is never just about personal well-being; it always flows outward into action, generosity, and care for others.

The scene of Jesus healing many at sunset shows His readiness to respond to human suffering with compassion and power. Yet, even amid crowds, He prioritizes prayer and solitude with the Father. This balance of contemplation and mission teaches us that Christian service must be grounded in prayer; otherwise, it becomes mere activism.

When the crowd tries to hold Him back, Jesus insists: “To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent.” Here, Jesus models a mission that is not limited by comfort zones or popularity. His focus is on fulfilling the Father’s will, not staying where He is admired.

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III. Practical Applications

1. Service after Healing – Like Simon’s mother-in-law, we are called to translate God’s blessings into service. When God lifts us from weakness, let us rise to serve others joyfully.

2. Balance Prayer and Action – Imitate Jesus’ rhythm: moments of solitude with God fuel moments of compassion and action in the world. Set aside time daily for prayer to sustain your service.

3. Mission Beyond Comfort – Don’t remain where it is safe or easy. God may be calling you to reach out to people on the margins—those forgotten, neglected, or overlooked.

4. Witness in Daily Life – Like the Colossians praised for their faith and love, let your life be evidence of the Gospel’s fruit. Show love, patience, and kindness in ordinary encounters.

5. Humble Leadership – Inspired by St. Gregory the Great, embrace leadership (in family, work, or community) not for recognition but for humble service and renewal of others.

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IV. Conclusion

Today’s Gospel teaches us that true healing from Christ leads to service, that authentic service must be rooted in prayer, and that genuine mission requires courage to move beyond personal comfort. Just as Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom tirelessly, and as St. Gregory guided the Church with humility and zeal, we too are called to live a faith that is both contemplative and active.

In our daily lives, may we rise from our “fevers,” both physical and spiritual, and be restored to a life of joyful service. By doing so, we embody the truth of today’s psalm: “I trust in the mercy of God forever.”

🌟 Prayer for the Readers 🌟

Heavenly Father,
I lift up to You all my readers and viewers today.
Bless them with peace in their hearts,
strength in their struggles,
and joy in their daily lives.

May they feel Your guiding presence
in every decision they make,
and may Your love remind them
that they are never alone.

Grant them good health,
open doors of opportunity,
and surround them with kindness.
Help us all to grow in faith,
in hope, and in love—
always choosing humility, compassion, and service.

We entrust everything to You, Lord,
through Christ our Lord.
Amen. ✨