As
a priest, I spend a lot of time visiting the sick & the shut-ins, so I can
really imagine how Jesus responds the way he does in today’s Gospel, as he goes
to the home of a Pharisee on the day of the Sabbath, but right in front of him
is a man suffering from dropsy. From
what I understand about that medical condition, the person fills up with
excessive fluids, an uncomfortable & painful & dangerous
condition. When Jesus sees this man, he
doesn’t think about the rule that prohibits him from performing any work on the
Sabbath. Instead, out of his love &
mercy, he sees a man who needs his healing, so Jesus heals him, no questions
asked.
Often
we can get so caught up with our own busy lives, with all the work that needs
to be done, with all the chores that need our attention, with our obligations
to family and friends. Do we respond to
those around us when they need our love and mercy? We cannot heal in exactly the same way that
Jesus does, but you would be surprised as to how much a smile or a kind word, a
prayer or a visit, would bring different forms of healing to someone’s
life.
Lord,
may you bring love and healing into our hearts today, so that we may become
instruments of your compassionate love to our busy world. Be with those who are in need of your love
and compassion today, Lord, and may we always be servants of your peace.
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