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Miracles! Read: Luke 4:38 - 44 |
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St. Giles, Abbot (Patron of Physically Disabled) Feast day - September 1
St. Giles is said to have been a seventh century Athenian of noble birth. His piety and learning made him so conspicuous and an object of such admiration in his own country that, dreading praise and longing for a hidden life, he left his home and sailed for France. At first he took up his abode in a wilderness near the mouth of the Rhone river, afterward near the river Gard, and, finally, in the diocese of Nimes.
He spend many years in solitude conversing only with God. The fame of his miracles became so great that his reputation spread throughout France. He was highly esteemed by the French king, but he could not be prevailed upon to forsake his solitude. He admitted several disciples, however, to share it with him. He founded a monastery, and established an excellent discipline therein. In succeeding ages it embraced the rule of St. Benedict. St. Giles died probably in the beginning of the eighth century, about the year 724. |
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I love this gospel passage which shows Jesus teaching, healing, ministering night and day. At the end of this period, he doesn’t rest, he goes away to pray. Not an easy task, to show compassion when you’re exhausted. Teachers are mighty healers… do you recall a much-loved teacher of yours? She/he could do no wrong. And so the people of this world flocked to Jesus as a miracle-worker, a prophet bringing good news of the Kingdom. What are the lessons residing in this story? ‘Simon Peter’s mother got up instantly from being healed to serve Jesus’. WE ARE HEALED (given life) TO SERVE. ‘Laying his hands on each one, he healed them’. IF WE ARE NOT MOTIVATED TO SERVE, DO WE KNOW HIM? "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent." PREACHING THE GOSPEL TOOK PRIORITY, HOW CAN I FOLLOW JESUS IF I STAY PUT? It is in the Ignatian tradition that the simplest human activities should be done for God’s greater glory by serving one another. I recently had the chance to be served by a local Alcoholics Anonymous group. As a future counselor, I went there to learn more about the miracle of recovery. Their personal stories spoke of serving with compassion. To see how the human spirit rises up from ashes reminds me that we find miracles in teachers (sponsors) and healers in our midst. The Kingdom is right here on earth folks, serving one another. Dear God, thank you for the quiet miracles that change our lives. Amen |
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Reflection:
What id that God ordained mission that He meant for you when He created you?
Dear Lord, open my heart and mind to see Your purpose for my life, and grant me the courage to do it. |
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TODAYS SAINT: St. Giles, Abbot |
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Today’s Bible Reading :
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Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Reading 2
Gospel: |
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DAILY HIGHLIGHTS |
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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.” - Luke 4:43 |
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