From today’s Scripture: “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.’”—Lk 4:42-43

Jesus was just beginning his public life. One of his first miracles was to heal Peter’s mother-in-law. Then, many people from Capernaum brought their sick and suffering to him to heal. Jesus was willing to heal anyone, but he also needed to keep in communion with his Father, so he went off by himself early in the morning to do that. The crowds found him and begged him to stay, but Jesus had a bigger mission. He went to the other towns in the area, too, and taught them about the Kingdom of God. Jesus did not follow his own desires in choosing his mission, but listened to the Father and followed his will. We need to do the same.

Let us pray: Jesus, I beg you to show me what you want me to do for the Kingdom of God today, and give me the grace to do it. Don’t let me just do my own thing.

Today’s author is Father Frank Ruff, former president of Glenmary, mission pastor, and Catholic representative to the Southern Baptist Convention.

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