Tag: healing

“Put out into deep water.” | Thursday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it. For he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. To the Lord belongs the earth and all that fills it.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 5:1-11)

After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.”

Luke describes a scene that takes place by the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus is teaching a crowd. After borrowing Simon’s boat to speak to the crowds pressing in on him, he instructs Simon Peter to put out into the deep water and let down his nets for a catch. Simon is skeptical because he has caught nothing all night. But Peter obeys Jesus’ command, and they catch such a large number of fish that their nets begin to break. Recognizing Jesus’ divine authority, Peter falls at Jesus’ feet, expressing his unworthiness. At the end of the passage, Peter, James, and John leave everything behind to follow Jesus. He says to Simon Peter, the rock on which Jesus will build his Church, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” When we hear Jesus instructing our hearts, to what depth are we willing to respond and do what he commands?

God, help me hear the voice of your Son today. By day’s end, I will have made hundreds of little decision or course corrections. Guide me, Lord, as I strive to understand and do your will and give me presence of mind to listen out for you throughout the day. In receiving the Eucharist, may I be fully aware of the person of Christ that dwells within me. Thank you for the opportunities you present to me today; for the sake of your glory, let me be unafraid to put out into the deep to realize your gifts.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Call of the Apostles” flickr photo by Lawrence OP https://flickr.com/photos/paullew/53476593527 shared under a Creative Commons (BY-NC-ND) license

“For this purpose I have been sent.” | Wednesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield, For in him our hearts rejoice; in his holy name we trust. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 4:38-44)

At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place. The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him, they tried to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, “To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent.” And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

Luke describes a day in the life of Jesus as he heals and preaches, curing people who are sick with various diseases and proclaiming the message of the kingdom of God. Simon’s mother-in-law suffers from a severe fever. Jesus rebukes the fever, and she rises to serve Jesus and the disciples. Demonstrating authority over illness, Jesus shows compassion for those in need closest to him. Following this, as the sun sets, people bring to Jesus all who are sick or possessed by demons, and he lays hands on them, bringing immediate healing. The gathering of people shows the growing recognition Jesus received for his ability to heal people. The passage concludes as Jesus leaves at daybreak, telling the people that he must go to other towns to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God.

Father in heaven, thank you for sending your Son to heal and to teach. In the Gospel, he reveals the relationship he has with you. It is one of obedience to your will and dedication to the mission for which you sent him. People approached him constantly, from dawn to dusk. In the midst of the day, help me remember to pause and reflect on the times I have seen him pass by in the many opportunities you present to me. Help me also hear and do your will, bringing glad tidings to those who most need that and to proclaim liberty to captives through the saving work of your Son.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “Blessed are they who observe his decrees, who seek him with all their heart. One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 9:1-8)

As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

Passing by Matthew while he is at work in his daily life, Jesus says to him, “Follow me.” Matthew immediately gets up and follows him, accepting his command. As Jesus meets us every day of our lives, the invitation extends to all of us, even as we miss the mark in words and actions through sin. While at Matthew’s house for dinner, other tax collectors and sinners come to join them. The Pharisees’ comment sets up Jesus for a reply that embraces even their hardness of heart: “I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” His invitation is for all, his mercy for every one of us. Our response to it makes all the difference. Where is the greatest need today for his healing in our lives?

God, you sent Jesus the divine physician for the sake of sinners. The call to holiness is not limited to a certain people or place or time but is universal. Help me, then, recognize fully that Christ invites me to follow him to receive his mercy; in receiving it, give me the grace and wisdom to see where I may be a means of mercy to others. Take my anxieties of the day, Lord, that prevent me from hearing and doing your will so that I remain in your presence at all times. As Saint Anthony Zaccaria, said: Before starting your activities, offer Jesus a few words of your choosing. Then, during your work often lift up your mind to God. You will benefit much and there will be no detriment to your job.” Saint Anthony Zaccaria, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Which is easier, to say . . .” | Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul; The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 9:1-8)

Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, “Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” He rose and went home. When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to men.

As Jesus encounters a paralyzed man on a stretcher, he sees the faith of those who bring the man to him. The words, “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven” trigger some of the scribes, who believe he is blaspheming. Jesus’ response to them makes clear that as the Son of God he heals physical and spiritual illnesses. “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?” As the miracle of the man’s healing takes place, Jesus reveals his compassion and divine authority, inviting all of us to have faith in him as the Son of God who came to restore us to the Father.

From the collect for today’s Mass, celebrating our nation’s birth: “Father of all nations and ages, we recall the day when our country claimed its place among the family of nations; for what has been achieved we give you thanks, for the work that still remains we ask your help, and as you have called us from many peoples to be one nation, grant that, under your providence, our country may share your blessings with all the peoples of the earth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Do not be afraid; just have faith.” | Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “Hear, O LORD, and have pity on me; O LORD, be my helper. You changed my mourning into dancing; O LORD, my God, forever will I give you thanks. I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 5:21-43)

When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.

In today’s Gospel, Mark relates the account of a double miracle Jesus performs. As Jesus is on the way to the synagogue official Jairus’s house, a woman who has been suffering from a bleeding disorder approaches him. Merely touching Jesus’ cloak, she is healed immediately, and Jesus tells her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.” As Jesus speaks to the woman, messengers arrive to inform them that Jairus’s daughter has died. At this, Jesus says to Jairus, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” With the father and mother before their daughter, Jesus takes her by the hand and with a word raises her from the dead. Having read this account more than once, do we feel utter astonishment as witnesses of these miracles?

God, help me reflect carefully on today’s Gospel so that it will be a means throughout the day of praising you and giving you glory. Jesus heals a woman’s chronic disorder; he raises a girl from the dead. What more can Jesus do to show compassion and to reveal to witnesses that he is the Son of God and is victorious over sin and death? And what do you require, Lord, except faith in the works you have the power and authority to accomplish? Let me ponder in reverence and awe what the Gospel acclamation says about the mission of your Son: “Our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.” Give me the grace to trust in your mercy completely and know that you are with me, there to heal along the way and at my journey’s destination with the hope of eternal life. Jesus, I trust in you!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.”| Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

From the responsorial psalm: “The LORD is faithful in all his words and holy in all his works. The LORD lifts up all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. The Lord is gracious and merciful.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (Jn 5:17-30)

Jesus answered the Jews: “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.” For this reason they tried all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the sabbath but he also called God his own father, making himself equal to God.

Today’s Gospel continues where yesterday’s left off. Because Jesus told the man he cured to pick up his mat and walk, some of the Jews who learned of this began to persecute Jesus for encouraging the man to work on the sabbath by carrying his mat. When Jesus is questioned, his persecutors accuse him not only of breaking the sabbath but making himself an equal to the Father. But as the Father does, the Son also does. Jesus does the will of his Father, and like the Father, he “raises the dead and gives life,” and as the Son of Man he will call all who are in tombs to come out, either to the resurrection of life or to the resurrection of condemnation. The Son does the work of the Father; as a just judge, he works to accomplish his Father’s will.

God, help me imitate Jesus, who says, “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.” I have many questions about how I am to work today, how the day and how the week will play out. From the untold number of decisions I will make today and act on, give me the grace to remember that my work is to do your will, and the grace to understand and accomplish it. What possible hesitation or fear do I have of working throughout the day if I am committed to knowing your will and doing it? Father, you gave me life and sent me for a purpose no one else can fulfill. For the sake of your glory, Lord, help me do your work today.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Do you want to be well?” | Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

From the responsorial psalm: “God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress. Therefore we fear not, though the earth be shaken and mountains plunge into the depths of the sea. The Lord of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (Jn 5:1-16)

After this Jesus found him in the temple area and said to him, “Look, you are well; do not sin any more, so that nothing worse may happen to you.” The man went and told the Jews that Jesus was the one who had made him well. Therefore, the Jews began to persecute Jesus because he did this on a sabbath.

In Jerusalem at the Sheep Gate, Jesus sees a man who is blind, lame, and crippled, and has been ill for thirty-eight years. Nobody assists him to reach the healing pool of Bethesda, which means “house of mercy” or “house of grace.” When Jesus first encounters him, he asks if he wishes to be well and then tells him to pick up his mat and walk. “Immediately,” John says, “the man became well, took up his mat, and walked.” Jesus then slips away through the crowd as Jews witness the man carrying his mat on the sabbath. When they are able to identify Jesus as the one who told the man to pick up his mat, they begin to persecute Jesus for profaning the sabbath. There are things worse, Jesus suggests to the man he cured, than being ill for decades. Worse than that is sin and its burdens; worse than that, those who reject and persecute Jesus, the very one who has the power over sin, illness, and death.

God, just as Ezekiel witnesses the life-giving water flowing from the sanctuary and its healing effects, the man by the pool experiences divine restoration and healing through the command of your Son: “Rise, take up your mat, and walk.” More than divine marching orders, Jesus’ command is a response to the question he poses: “Do you want to be well?” In your initiative, Lord, you quietly invite me with the same question to receive your healing. Give me the grace today to answer honestly, Do I want to be well? I would do well to accept all you offer from your house of mercy.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Why does this generation seek a sign?” | Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 8:11-13)

The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” Then he left them, got into the boat again, and went off to the other shore.

The Pharisees approach Jesus and ask for a sign from heaven to prove his authority, and Jesus sighs over their lack of faith despite their witnessing his previous miracles and teachings. Aware that they are testing him, Jesus puts the question to the Pharisees why this generation seeks a sign. What matters, Jesus suggests by asking this, is faith and trust in him rather than seeking signs as the sole basis for belief. 

God, help me trust in your presence without the need for signs. Even more, help me remember you in the midst of the day, when communication with you becomes sparse. I imagine Jesus turning back to the Pharisees to answer them as he go into the boat. He questions them not out of annoyance but of love for them. He gave a deep sigh when he asks why they seek a sign. Strengthen my confidence in you, Lord, in the hidden works you perform each day and in the ones I overlook that are right before my eyes.

From the responsorial psalm: “You are good and bountiful; teach me your statutes. Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“I do will it. Be made clean.” | Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 1:40-45)

A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.” The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean.

“I do will it. Be made clean.” These words of Jesus to the leper reveal the Father’s will for all of his people. Leprosy was not part of God’s plan for humanity. Illness, disease, and death were not part of God’s plan. With a compassionate touch, Jesus heals the leper, showing his divine authority over human illnesses, isolation, and sin—and through his death and resurrection—even death. Jesus sternly warns the leper not to tell anyone about this miracle. Instead, he tells him to be obedient to Mosaic law in regard to the treatment of leprosy, which the first reading gives us a glimpse of. Instead, the man tells everybody he encounters; as a result, Jesus is unable to go unnoticed, and people come to him from everywhere.

God, help me understand today’s Gospel. Although from a time long ago and a place far away, Jesus’ treatment of the leper is living and effective today because he lives today and is truly present. The healing of the leper is not isolated in time and space, Lord, but is your mercy expressed here and now. Your will is to restore me to wholeness, to reconcile me to you. I want to fix in my mind the words of Jesus to the leper: “I do will it. Be made clean.”

From the responsorial psalm: “Blessed is he whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered. Blessed the man to whom the LORD imputes not guilt, in whose spirit there is no guile. I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“My heart is moved with pity.” | Memorial of Saint Scholastica, Virgin

“New Skete: St Scholastica” flickr photo by jimforest https://flickr.com/photos/jimforest/5125868728 shared under a Creative Commons (BY-NC-ND) license

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 8:1-10)

In those days when there again was a great crowd without anything to eat, Jesus summoned the disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will collapse on the way, and some of them have come a great distance.”

Having experienced it personally in his own body, Jesus sees and knows the limits of human stamina and the need for nourishment to sustain strength. The compassion he shows for the crowd, that he fears they will collapse on the way home, is a prelude to the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes, where Jesus takes seven loaves of bread and a few fish to feed more than four thousand people. The disciples ask Jesus, “Where can anyone get enough bread to satisfy them here in this deserted place?” In response, Jesus performs a miracle. No man can get enough to satisfy the crowd; one true God has more than enough to satisfy, basketsful more than what satisfies. Jesus knows we come a great distance to close the gap between ourselves and him. His grace, the sustenance of true food in his body and blood, strengthens us to walk the long way back home with him.

God, help me today to remember this miracle. If I stop to look around in seemingly deserted places, places of weakness and brokenness, your many blessings are all around me, and more than enough to sustain me. More than that, you give me this life-sustaining food always in the Eucharist and the Blessed Sacrament. Thank you, Lord, for your abundant mercy!

From the Gospel acclamation: “One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” Saint Scholastica, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.