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“ ‘ He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her
and she waited on them.’ ”
The gospel today reminds me of the situation that often occurs in a mother’s life. She could be dead on her feet with a flu, and everyone will empathize with her and then in the same breath ask “What’s for dinner?”
Sometimes our concerns for others are only an extension of our concerns for ourselves. Do we truly try to help out when someone is under the weather? Do we exert ourselves in helping to carry the other person’s load?
The gospel shows Jesus taking the hand of Peter’s mother and helping her up. It is both a narrative statement and a metaphor for enabling others to get back on their feet again when struck down by illness or circumstances. We are called to do likewise for those around us. When people feel cared for, they naturally show their gratitude to those who have helped them.
In life, serving one another brings security and peace of mind. Knowing there are people around who will intercede on your behalf makes us all feel more assured that all will be well in spite of the occasional setbacks that are a part of life.
We are messengers of God’s love for his people and, just as Jesus did, we are called to extend a helping hand in friendship and love.
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