In today’s first reading, Paul admonishes the Corinthian believers for their immaturity in engaging in divisive factionalism about their spiritual leaders and teaches them that each has a role allocated by God to bring forth the Kingdom. We too need to pay heed to his direction and avoid dissension that emerges in the Church from time to time. Today’s Gospel Proclamation tells us that there was an enormous demand for Our Lord Jesus Christ’s healing and exorcism, such that he was always hemmed in by the crowds seeking deliverance, trying to prevent Him from going to other places to proclaim the Divine Message. While times have changed, they have not diminished the need for healing, deliverance and repentance in the present day world. To receive forgiveness through reconciliation, however, requires us to avoid the occasion of sin and its consequences, described in stark terms by Jesus; and also, to then commit to the service of others, as exemplified by Simon’s mother-in-law, after her own healing.

Prayer: Abba Father, may we be united in faith, delivered from sin, repent and then dedicate our lives to serving others. Amen.