Tuesday, 25 November 2025
St Matthew 8: 14 – 17
When Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever; he touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve him. That evening they brought to him many who were possessed by demons; and he cast out the spirits with a word, and cured all who were sick. This was to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah, ‘He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.’
Reflection
When I saw this text was available to reflect upon, I immediately scrolled past it. No! Definitely one to avoid. For me anyway. Except … as I surveyed more appealing texts, a little part of my brain kept asking me why not? And the answer is that I joked many years ago that Jesus only healed Peter’s mother-in-law so he could get some supper! And, yes I am also uncomfortable at the thought of the text being used to enforce a traditional role of women as serving to men. Apologies if that is patronising or mansplaining.
But, seriously, if you arrived at someone’s house and they were in need of something that you could offer, what would you do? Jesus, I see, responded entirely appropriately and cured the lady of her ailment. She, now healthy, responded, also entirely appropriately, by offering hospitality and food. Something that she was clearly amply qualified to do!
It was also something that Jesus almost certainly needed in the midst of his hectic ministry of teaching and healing. No slouch, our Saviour, having eaten and managed a tiny bit of rest, then found the word was out that The Healer was there. And off he went again healing, curing, making whole.
Could he have done all that on an empty stomach? Almost certainly I’d imagine. But, surely, it was more bearable having received this wonderful woman’s grateful offering?
I think, after years of looking at this text in embarrassment, I can finally appreciate it … and hope you can too?
Prayer
Lord give us the insight
to see or hear when others need what we can offer
and to respond by doing what we can.
Lord we give thanks for those
who have done likewise for us,
Amen.