“14And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. 15And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them. 16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: 17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. 18 Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side. 19And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 20And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” (Matthew 8:14-20)
When Jesus walks into Peter’s home, he sees that Peter’s mother-in-law is burning with fever. He touches her and she is healed. The now-recovered woman immediately rises and begins to serve Jesus and his disciples. Following this miracle, many people possessed by evil spirits come from across the region in hopes of exorcism. Anywhere Jesus goes, he finds grace in the eyes of locals, regardless of their social status or wealth. Jesus creates connections and builds bridges between people. He helps many individuals and brings them together. Moreover, he never asks for recognition or compensation. He simply heals people and continues with his journey. Kindness itself is the reward for kind actions.
Sociability is finding purpose and joy by connecting to others, in the context of family and community.
