She Began to Serve

After leaving the synagogue he entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them. As the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them. Demons also came out of many, shouting, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Messiah. At daybreak he departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, ‘I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.’ So he continued proclaiming the message in the synagogues of Judea. Luke 4:38-44

Too often, those who have so much want more. Those who have little and who have been shown kindness are nearly always grateful. Those who are grateful always want to show their gratitude by serving others. Simon's mother was sick and was healed by Jesus. She got up and served them, not because they demanded it or she had to, but because she was so grateful that her life was restored. May we who have been touched by the love and generosity of God turn and serve others today.

Gracious Creator, you heal us and feed us

you give us shelter and safe places to live

you surround us with your abundance

and make us part of a wider community.

Too often we fall into self-pity and gripping

we want all of our troubles to be gone

we want an easy life and to be pampered

yet when we know love we are ready to serve.

Lord, help us get up and serve those in need

let our gratitude be displayed in taking care

make us agents of change by loving the stranger

and making a place at the table for all who come in. Amen.