While Jesus was in Capernaum, He performed many healings on the people there. So, it is understandable that the people wanted Him to stay with them and how, when He went off to a quiet place just outside the town to pray, they caught up with Him and tried to prevent His leaving. But Jesus made it very clear that it was imperative that He move on, saying, “To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God because for this purpose I have been sent.” The Capernaum villagers had to let him go; Jesus was at the service of God’s purposes, which took priority over what the townspeople wanted of Him.
We began reading Luke’s Gospel at Mass last Monday and, as we move through his Gospel, we will see how he consistently reveals Jesus as one who is totally devoted to serving God’s purposes for Him. This often brought Jesus into conflict with what others expected of Him.
All of us are called to live our lives in accord with the will of God. When we try to do what we believe God wants of us, we may often find that it will bring us into conflict with what other people want or expect or from us. In our struggle to do God’s will, we have the Spirit of Jesus to help us on our way. May we reach out and touch that power, that we may have the strength and the courage to be devoted to serving God’s purposes for each one of us. +
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