Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today the Lord goes to the house of Simon Peter and brings healing to Peter's mother-in-law. Scripture tells us that Jesus "lifted her up!" Sounds kind of familiar doesn't it. Just as the Lord was lifted up by the glory of the Father, so Jesus "lifts up" Peter's mother-in-law. A precursor to his own resurrection. In hindsight this seems so obvious. But to the disciples this is extra-ordinary. Then a second rather remarkable event takes place. She immediately goes and prepares a meal for them! Amazing, she's been ill, possibly near death and she begins to wait on them. (Just as Jesus would wait on the disciples after his resurrection.
The people of Capernaum hear of this great "miracle". Peter and his companion told Jesus that the people of Capernaum were waiting to see him. The people wanted him to heal their sick. Since it was the Sabbath, they had to wait until sunset, then they bring their sick for healing.
Then early the next day the Lord goes off to be with the Father in private prayer. But Peter and his companions come in search of him to let him know the people are asking for him. He tells the disciples that he/they must go to other towns and villages to preach and heal.
The Lord's mission was to go beyond the "local" community a more "universal" one. How far are we willing to go to spread the work of God?