Carmelite homily for Wednesday, January 15, 2020 – Lectionary 307
In today’s Gospel Jesus is doing good deeds. He cures Simon Peter’s mother-in-law. He drives out demons. At the end of the day he goes to pray, but they follow him. He comes back to do more good deeds. Oftentimes we think there might be a tension between my need for prayer and my need for a relationship with God and all the work I have to do. But they shouldn’t be in conflict. Teresa of Avila says, “The reason for prayer: good works, good works.” They are tied together. Or as Teresa of Avila will also say, “Martha and Mary must combine.” The reason for prayer: good works. Let us pray and let us do good works. Amen.