Today we begin a trip through St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians. As in many of his letters, St. Paul begins with an affirmation. He tells them of his prayers for them, and applauds them for their love and faithfulness. I can only hope that, if St. Paul were writing a letter to us today, he would be able to say the same thing.
Today’s Gospel reading from Luke 4 starts out with the story of Jesus healing Simon’s mother-in-law. I’m sure Simon was very pleased about that! Jesus then heals many people. He goes off to a deserted place to pray. The crowds track him down, though, and when they find him, “they tried to prevent him from leaving them.” But Jesus cannot stay. He tells them that he must go “to the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God.”
The people wanted Jesus to stay. They wanted him for themselves. This is completely understandable. But Jesus in essence told them that they had to share him with the rest of the world. The same is true for us. Sometimes we may want to keep Jesus for ourselves. Perhaps TO ourselves would be a better word. But that is really being selfish. Jesus WANTS us to share him with the rest of the world. He tells the people, “for this purpose I have been sent.” We can help him accomplish that purpose. So don’t keep Jesus to yourself! Share him with all the world!
Father, forgive us for those times when we keep Jesus to ourselves. Give us the grace to share Him with all, because EVERYONE is in need of Him! Amen.
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