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After Jesus left the synagogue, he entered the house of Simon.
Simon’s mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever,
and they interceded with him about her.
He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her.
She got up immediately and waited on them.
At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases
brought them to him.
He laid his hands on each of them and cured them.
And demons also came out from many, shouting, “You are the Son of God.”
But he rebuked them and did not allow them to speak
because they knew that he was the Christ.
At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place.
The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him,
they tried to prevent him from leaving them.
But he said to them, “To the other towns also
I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God,
because for this purpose I have been sent.”
And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner. The full readings of the day from the Lectionary are available here.
In 2009, as a 31-year-old husband and father of two young children, I faced unexpected open-heart surgery because of an aortic aneurysm that was caught before it ruptured. While the data showed that the risks of surgery were relatively low, that was cold comfort for someone whose chest would be cracked open and whose heart would stop while doctors repaired his diseased aorta. My anxiety was off the charts; I struggled to push through the weeks leading up to the surgery. I was blessed, however, with family, friends, and strangers, far and wide, praying for me.
Like those in today’s gospel passage, these people “brought” me to the Lord, “interceded with him” for me. When I couldn’t pray because of the anxiety and fear, this multitude of people begged Christ for a miracle or, barring that, safe passage through the grueling surgery and recovery. They carried my family and me to the Lord.
That is why I am always struck by passages in the gospels, like today’s, in which friends and family literally carry the sick to our Lord for cure, for aid. These stories cut against that go-it-alone attitude and posture that we’ve imbibed since we were babies. That sort of atomized individualism isn’t a gospel category.
In these simple vignettes, we learn a lesson about faith. As St. Cyril of Jerusalem wrote in his catechetical lectures, the “power of faith is enormous. It is so great that it not only saves the believer; thanks to one person’s faith, others are saved also.” We are called to carry friends, family, strangers, and enemies in our prayers and in our faith to the Lord. He will do the rest. Sometimes it will be a miracle healing. Other times it will be the grace to sustain someone through deep suffering. Whatever it is, we are our brother’s keeper.
Lord, in healing Simon’s mother-in-law you restored his family. We need you to restore health to us, and to our family and friends. Please guide us to do all we can to bring healing and comfort to our minds and bodies and to those we love. Remove our anxiety and give us that peace and hope that surpasses human understanding. Amen.
A PODCAST BY FAITH ND
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Deacon Kevin Conneely
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Dr. Joanna Fava
We join Dr. Joanna Fava ’01 for a moment of gentle conversation as she reflects on her work as a psychologist, how she helps people find hope in the midst of trauma, and where her faith guides her in a broader life of service.
Fr. Mark Poorman, CSC
A priest who has been a professor, administrator, and university president, Fr. Mark Poorman, CSC, has offered his gifts to many people and places over the years.
Bobby Kloska
Sit in the pub with Bobby Kloska ’90, a man whose deep faith, hopeful outlook, and profound joy may seem surprising given the many hardships he has faced in life.
Sr. Mariana Koonce, RSM
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Kristin Komyatte Sheehan
Having spent much of her time cheering from various sidelines, Kristin Komyatte Sheehan ’90 offers a seasoned perspective on the place of faith and virtues in all types of athletics.
Tim and Ryan O’Neill
Share in the music and story of The O’Neill Brothers, who have touched many lives through their talents on the piano as well as more recently by establishing a family foundation.
Laura Kelly Fanucci
We next share the story of Laura Kelly Fanucci ’03, a Catholic author whose joy shines even through moments of deep suffering, giving witness to an integrated life of love and compassion for others.
Dr. Craig Humphreys
Travel from Alaska to Africa with Dr. Craig Humphreys ’86 as he describes finding God in nature, the love of his family, and the people he has served around the world.
Fr. Joe Carey, CSC
Whether in the residence halls, wedding churches, or teaching communities of the Alliance for Catholic Education, Fr. Joe Carey, CSC, has become a resource, friend, and spiritual mentor to so many over the years.
Mike Griffin and Jessica Thomas
We begin Season 12 with the beautiful and sometimes heart-rending story of Mike Griffin and Jessica Thomas, a married couple who have combined their lives after the shared cross of losing their first spouses to a rare illness.
Prof. Margaret Pfeil
Season 11 concludes with Prof. Margaret Pfeil, including her long-time commitments of living at the local Catholic Worker community, advocating for peace, and seeking justice for all of God’s people.
Fr. Lou DelFra, CSC
Fr. Lou DelFra, CSC, shares the moments that eventually led him to a vocation in religious life and priesthood, along with a specific ministry of forming aspiring Catholic teachers.
Avis Boyd
We continue this season with Avis Boyd, a longtime volunteer and alumna of Notre Dame, as she shares her perspective on moving through life with purpose, conviction, and a deep faith, even in the face of adversity.
Tim and Lindsay Will
Meet Tim and Lindsay Will, two graduates of the Alliance for Catholic Education program, who help us contemplate the meaning of loss, love, and the family ties that bind us to one another.
Dr. Andrew McShane
Hear the story of Dr. Andrew McShane, Director of the Notre Dame Liturgical Choir, as he reflects on a vocation that took shape over time through beautiful music, unexpected loss, and the lasting example of others.
Nan Tulchinsky
Sit courtside with Nan Tulchinsky, a longtime scorekeeper for Notre Dame Women’s and Men’s Basketball, as she shares stories of her remarkable life of dedication to her family, local community, and Catholic faith.
Bishop Bob Lombardo, CFR
We begin a new season with Bishop Bob Lombardo, CFR, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, as he shares his path towards religious life and priesthood, co-founding a new expression of Franciscan life, and the unexpected calling of a new ministry.
Veronica Alonzo
We complete this season by speaking with Veronica Alonzo, Associate Superintendent for the Dallas Catholic Schools, about discovering meaning in personal loss, her vocation as an educator, and perspectives on Catholic education.
Dr. Jim O’Connell
Walk the streets of Boston with Dr. Jim O’Connell as he describes his long path to a medical career and the surprising, longstanding vocation of serving others through the Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program.
Lisa Orchen
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Explore the themes of motherhood with Jessica Mannen Kimmet, a musician and author, who has written a book with the intention of helping mothers who are experiencing similar crosses to ones she has carried.
Fr. Bill Lies, CSC
Journey with Fr. Bill Lies, CSC, Provincial Superior of the U.S. Province of Priests and Brothers for the Congregation of Holy Cross, as he offers stories of his family, vocational call, and perspective from various leadership positions.
We welcome you to submit your prayers for yourself and others. A volunteer will offer them on your behalf at the Grotto, where a candle representing all prayer requests remains perpetually lit.
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