+ The theme of our readings today is the unparalleled generosity
of the Lord to those who are willing to go to him, ask for healing, and then follow
his instructions in the healing process.
Sometimes Jesus cures an
afflicted person instantaneously, other times he does not – not that he cannot,
but rather there are many lessons that can be learned from the act of restoring
health that he has chosen in each particular case – and he invites us to learn
them, and not for ourselves but so that we can help others who may be afflicted
with similar maladies.
And so the lepers of today’s
gospel passage in order for them to be cured needed to “go and show themselves
to the priests.” It was in the action of actually walking step by step on the
way to the priests that they were cured.
But only one of them “realized
it” – and “returned glorifying God in a loud voice, and he fell at the feet of
Jesus and thanked him.” Then the received from Jesus the overflowing measure of
peace that an encounter with him deep in a grateful heart could produce.
The first reading shows how
Naaman in the Old Testament was asked to “go down to the Jordan and plunge into
the Jordan River seven times.” Naaman thought this to be an odd requests but he
did it! Perhaps the number seven
represented the seven gifts of the spirit that were especially going to be given
for obedience to the command in order to be healed.
I, for one, in my own case
have experienced a real death to self and the overpowering healing hand of God
upraising me to a newness of life – and after a cleansing healing that played
out by my being obedience to heath care professionals, religious brothers, and
so many people praying for my journey through the birth-canal into a fullness
of life that I had never known before. I am deeply grateful and profoundly
humbled by God’s gracious goodness to me.
Yes, God is willing to change
us and heal us whether we suffer from a serious disease of illness or just a
big dose of what is called bad choices in life – he is always ready and willing
to give us a second chance at beginning a new chapter and glorious chapter in
life – the last chapter – where all the characters being now readied and fully
developed to this point can allow the show to begin as planned all along.
Yes, in all circumstances, especially when he offers healing, give
thanks, for this is the will of God for us in Christ Jesus.
Amen.
Alleluia.
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