If Jesus’ words had amazed the people in the synagogue, his deeds would leave them awestruck.

The miracles Jesus performed tell us something about three people: Himself, the disciples, and Peter’s mother-in-law. The Gospel reveals to us that Jesus was rather shy, introverted man. He did not need to make himself the center of attention. He did not need to make great incantations or gestures to dispel demons.

Jesus simply needed to speak with authority. He had confidence that His relationship with His Father was such that whatever He asked, would be granted.

A miracle for Jesus was not a means of increasing His prestige; it was not something He loathed to do. Jesus performed miracles because He was usually, ‘moved with pity,’ keenly interested in the lives of the people He touched.

The Gospel also reveals something about His disciples. They had known Jesus along time and had become familiar with Him through the conversation and His presence with them.

The Disciples brought Peter’s mother-in –law to Jesus in prayer. This is the essential of the Christian life-good prayer practice that affirms and nurtures a relationship that produces compassionate forgiveness and healing. You see, the disciples learned what we must all come to learn- to bring everything, all our troubles and joys to Jesus and ask Him for his help and healing.

Finally, the Gospel reveals to us a simple woman-Peter’s mother-in-law. No sooner was she healed than she began to attend to their needs. She used her recovered health for renewed service. An old Scottish family has as their motto: “Saved to serve.” Jesus helps us that we may help others.

In all this, the Gospels reveal ordinary people living through the consequences of the Word made Flesh. What is your story?  How does the Word become Flesh in you and to what end?