Homily for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time

The first part of today's Gospel provides essential insights. Jesus learns that Simon Peter's mother-in-law is seriously ill with a high fever. This event has been recounted numerous times, and Luke has summarized it as follows: First, Peter's mother-in-law falls seriously sick. Second, friends ask Jesus to bless her. Third, He commands the fever to leave her. Finally, she gets up and starts serving them, likely with food.

After her miraculous recovery, the woman got up immediately and waited on them. This act of service within a caring community enriches the family setting. The people around Jesus interceded with him for her in a beautiful display of unity. Their actions radiate a sense of belonging and unity that is truly heartwarming.

St. Paul's followers often experienced discord and divided into factions, following different leaders. Their envy led to absurd quarreling. St. Paul referred to them as "infants," not ready for solid food, and compared their behavior to that of children clashing over trivial matters. These quarrels were contrary to true faith in Jesus. St. Paul reminded them that every Church leader is God's coworker and that we are all "God's garden." He believed that many Church tribulations would dissolve if everyone embraced a sense of belonging to God.