In-Laws

A couple who had been married for over 20 years were having a squabble as they drove through the countryside. After a bit they stopped talking and sat in stony silence. A little further down the road they drove past some pigs rooting about in a yard. Unkindly, the husband asked, “Relatives of yours?” Without missing a beat the wife retorted, “Yes, in-laws!” Fortunately, most people don’t have nasty relations with their in-laws.

In our reading, Peter’s mother-in-law receives healing after Peter brings her to the Saviour’s attention. I always feel conflicted about this story, because as soon as she is healed, she begins to serve. The story does show that Peter loved her and wanted to see her made whole. And, in receiving wholeness, Peter’s mother-in-law takes up service as an appropriate and joyful response.

We all have things that need the Lord’s healing, everything from ailments to grudges to doubts to insecurities, and much more, I am sure. May we trust ourselves to Jesus each day so that we might receive what he knows is best. And may his touch and presence lead us to help others in their need in return.

Healing Lord, we place ourselves in your loving hands, knowing that you, above everything else, are what we need. Amen. — MH