Daily Reflection for Wednesday, August 31 2022
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Wednesday’s readings at this link:
www.bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/083122.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Responsorial: Psalm 33:12-15, 20-21
Gospel: Luke 4:38-44
Our reflection on today’s readings
Simon’s mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever, and they interceded with him about her. Jesus stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up immediately and waited on them. Luke 4:38-39
My knee-jerk reaction was outrage on behalf of this unnamed biblical woman. She was among the “essential workers” of her time. Jesus healed her, and she immediately dove back into service. Did anyone offer the poor woman a cup of water before she resumed waiting on them?
In her book Illuminating Care, early childhood educator Carol Garboden Murray writes, “Aligning my daily work with my beliefs and convictions helps me view myself as an everyday activist. This view of myself is often the difference between working with purpose and self-care or working towards burn-out.”
Recently, I closed my office door, turned off the lights, and flopped limply into a beanbag chair. All morning, I had worked with students who struggle to succeed at school because they’ve experienced severe trauma and abuse. I was about to head into a meeting with a parent who tended to be erratic and confrontational. My goal was to take a power nap and wake up with enough energy to muddle through the afternoon before heading home, where I’d likely feel inadequate and bitter about the needs of my own family.
I turned on the Pray-As-You-Go podcast. It’s simple yet challenging, and frequently it lulls me to sleep. (I consider this a feature, not a bug—God works in mysterious ways.) That afternoon I was gifted with healing that jolted me back into service. Amid chaos and frustration, I felt a calm, comforting clarity.
I became keenly aware that, although I was tired, I was not burnt out. Aligning my work with my beliefs and convictions sustains me. I imagine this is what jolted Simon’s mother-in-law back into service. Transformed by Christ at the pleading requests of her loved ones, she returned eagerly to work.
Where do you imagine yourself in the story of Simon’s mother-in-law? Are you among the anxious crowd calling Christ to heal the suffering? Do you need Christ to cast out a demon that prevents you from your best work? Or are you brimming with new life, ready to serve?
May God’s Peace Be with You,
Trina Wurst