In today’s Gospel, Jesus steps into the intimate, everyday reality of human life. Simon’s mother-in-law is ill, yet Jesus notices her. His response is tender and immediate: He comes to her, takes her by the hand, and lifts her up.

This passage reveals the transformative power of Jesus’ presence. The woman doesn’t just recover; she rises to serve. The Greek word for ‘lifted her up’ (egeiro) is the same used to describe Jesus’ resurrection. Her healing is not merely physical; it is a restoration to wholeness. Jesus doesn’t simply remove suffering; He reorients us toward meaningful action.

For us, this is a profound invitation. How often do we feel weighed down by life’s ‘fevers’—stress, doubt, illness, or grief? Jesus comes to us, ready to take us by the hand. His touch might come through a friend’s kindness, a moment of prayer, or the quiet strength of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus lifts us, He calls us to respond by serving others, embodying His love in action.

Jesus’ actions challenge us to be Christ’s hands in the world. Who are the people in our lives who have their own forms of illness or despair? Like Jesus, we are called to draw near, take their hand, and lift them up with compassion.

Today’s Gospel is more than a story of healing; it gives us a vision of discipleship. To follow Jesus is to rise, serve, and allow his grace to flow into others’ lives with purpose and joy.

by Lisa McKerr