Scripture:
1 Corinthians 6:1-11
Luke 6:12-19
Reflection:
I met a priest from India a couple of decades ago, but I’ve never forgotten him. There was just something about him. He radiated unconditional love, peacefulness, deep connection to God, and authenticity. He was one of the kindest and most patient people I’ve ever known. He had a gift for meeting everyone right where they were, being 100% present to them, and accompanying them on their journey. His presence was powerful, and I felt it every time I was with him.
I think that’s what Scripture meant when it said that people sought to touch Jesus and be near him because power came forth from him and healed them all. I never saw or heard of this priest doing anything miraculous like Jesus did, but he certainly had healing power coming forth from him. No one who encountered him left unchanged unless they were incapable of receiving what he had to offer. And unfortunately, as Jesus also discovered, some people are so wounded, set in their ways, stuck in power struggles, tired out by life, or emotionally undeveloped that they aren’t ready to have “eyes that see” and “ears that hear”.
I’ve often longed to be like that priest. I want to be such a witness to God’s loving and healing power that just by being who I am and interacting with people, I can be an instrument of God that accompanies them and helps them see the wondrous beauty and value of who they are. I want to abide less and less by laws and “should’s”, whether imposed from outside or within myself, and live out of the freedom and love of Christ.
I get frustrated by how far away I am from that ideal. Yet I am grateful for all the ways I am growing toward it and serving as God’s instrument. I may never reach even the example of that priest, much less of Jesus, yet daily I pray that I may tap into and show forth the healing, fully present, loving power of God.
Have you encountered someone who radiates God’s love in palpable ways? Where are you in your journey toward that goal? As I pray for myself, I hold you in my heart as well and I ask that you do the same for me. Together, let’s be transformed and become more Christ-like.
Amy Florian is a teacher and consultant working in Chicago. For many years she has partnered with the Passionists. Visit Amy’s website: http://www.corgenius.com/.