Scripture:
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Luke 4:38-44
Reflection:
21st Century Belief
Today’s Gospel selection vividly recounts the scope of Jesus’ healing ministry: the cure of Simon’s mother-in-law with her severe fever, the many other sick with various diseases – even people possessed by demons! Crowds of people followed Jesus, and even tried to block his path as He left their town to move on to other towns and proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God. What a powerful scene!
Jesus’ miraculous powers and persuasive words are inviting and inspirational, but our faith helps us see Jesus for Who He is: the Son of God, the Word made flesh. The demons driven out by Jesus declared to Jesus, “You are the Son of God.” Jesus rebuked the demons because they knew He was the Christ.
Jesus cured Simon Peter’s mother-in-law of a severe fever – great, but there were undoubtedly many other sick whom He did not cure. Jesus laid hands on those with various diseases and healed them, but there were many other sick throughout the world at that time whom Jesus never met. Jesus worked His miracles out of a sense of loving compassion, but His mission was to draw people to a deep faith in Him. The faith response is more important than a cure or a healing; our eternal life, not just our here-and-now life, depends on our faith.
We best not limit ourselves by accepting Jesus only if He fulfills our needs or our sense of values. Jesus reveals himself to us as much more than our human “view”: He is the Christ, the Word Made Flesh — and Son of God! We’re invited to believe in and generously follow Him unconditionally. As St. Paul stated in the first reading, we are called to personally grow in our faith and be co-workers in promoting faith in Jesus amongst our sisters and brothers – a labor of love to help promote the Kingdom of God!
Together may we embrace our needy 21st Century world with the Good News of Jesus and the Kingdom of God. May renewed faith and hope and healing abound in our world!
Fr. John Schork, C.P. serves as the Province Vocation Director and also as Local Superior of the Passionist Community of Holy Name in Houston, Texas.