Gospel
On leaving the synagogue
Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.
Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.
They immediately told him about her.
He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.
Then the fever left her and she waited on them.
When it was evening, after sunset,
they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.
The whole town was gathered at the door.
He cured many who were sick with various diseases,
and he drove out many demons,
not permitting them to speak because they knew him.
Rising very early before dawn,
he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.
Simon and those who were with him pursued him
and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.”
He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages
that I may preach there also.
For this purpose have I come.”
So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons
throughout the whole of Galilee.
“When it was evening, after sunset,
they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.
The whole town was gathered at the door.”
That text shows the extent of how much the world needs to be healed.
Sometimes that’s what it feels like in our world today. We look outside and find everyone we meet is possessed by demons. Demons driving them to accumulate more than they need for its own sake. Demons that fill them with anger or hate.
Demons that possess them driving down the freeway and act like animals rather than brothers and sisters.
Or illness and physically suffering seems to attack so many.
Yea, sometimes it feels like the whole town is filled with demons or are ill. Demons leading people astray. Even among our loved ones. Illness among folks that we have known as healthy forever.
So we pray for them without ceasing.
We can wonder if our prayers for them ever have effect. Why do we keep praying for others when we see no changes. But maybe our prayers are keeping them from a worse circumstance. We don’t know what plans God has but are called to love and pray always. Without our prayers maybe they would sink further into the despair that evil influences bring.
We should always love them and pray for others. For God loved us first and always loves us. Even when we fail to repent or change.
God calls all people. Jesus has come to heal us. Our part is to pray and love them and be a connection to the great healer.
Deacon Tony Pynes 
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