Readings: 1kings 8:1-7.9-13; Ps.132; Mark 6:53-56
Rev.
Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.
EXPERIENCING
THE HEALING TOUCH OF JESUS
From
the beginning, we were told that God created everything so good and perfect.
But out of pride and greediness, humanity has destroyed and kept on destroying
the good things that God has entrusted to us. As a result of this humanity is suffering the consequences of our destructive actions which manifest in
different from such as natural disasters,
illnesses, diseases, afflictions, slavery and other troubles.
But
time and time again, God though not pleased with this destructive nature of
humanity, has not stopped to restore humanity to its glorious state. This
gracious act of restoration is made more evident in the life and mission of our
Lord Jesus Christ, who came to redeem us through the path of humility and love.
Little
wonder in our Gospel passage today, we heard of the great works of Jesus who
was then at Galilee, ministering to the people who came to him seeking to be
healed from their various illnesses, diseases, afflictions, slavery and
troubles. People kept on bringing their sick ones to him and many people who
had faith in him were healed by merely touching his cloak. This passage
summarizes what Jesus was doing for the
people. It indicates the tremendous desire of the people to be healed and made
whole by Jesus. Thus, the presence of Jesus brought Joy and relief to them.
Dear
friends, God really cares about us, for no matter the situation we may find
ourselves in, we must know that the touch of Jesus heals and restores everything.
Therefore, we all are called to embrace the loving touch of Jesus and cooperate
with him in his work and mission of healing and restoration of humanity. Hence,
let us discern what we all can do in order to contribute even in little ways,
to ensure the restoration of humanity and all God’s creation which we are
destroying by our lives and actions. Let us learn from Solomon in our first
reading today whose goal was to build a house for the Lord and ensure peace
among the chosen people of God.
So,
let us seek to renew our faith in God and grow stronger in our love and
devotion towards him. The people in our Gospel today rushed to Jesus with their
needs and their hopes because they recognized him. Maybe we need to follow
their example by bringing to him those things in us that are still in need of
healing and restoration.
This
is what we see in the life of St Agatha of Sicily whose memorial we celebrate
today, for Agatha, who from her very early years was notably beautiful. And
because of her love for Jesus, she dedicated her life to God as a consecrated
virgin. But this did not stop men from desiring her. One of the men who desired
Agatha was Quintianus, and because he was of a high diplomatic ranking, thought
he could force her to turn away from her vow and so force her to get married.
His persistent proposals were consistently turned down by Agatha.
So
Quintianus, knowing she was a Christian during the persecution of Christians by
Decius, had her arrested and brought before the judge. Too bad for Agatha,
because, Quintianus was also the Judge. Hence, he sentenced Agatha to prison in
a brothel to see if she would change her mind. But noticing that Agatha was
enduring all the torture with a sense of cheer, he commanded she be subjected
to a worse form of torture, he ordered that her breasts be cut off.
Amid this torture, Agatha prayed to Jesus and committed her suffering soul to his care. And with tears falling from her eyes she died a virgin and martyr.
Today she is the patron saint of Sicily, breast cancer patients, rape victims,
wet nurses and a powerful intercessor for people who suffer from fire
outbreaks.
LET US
PRAY: Lord God, we submit our lives into your care, let your healing touch through
the intercession of St. Agatha may we experience your restoration in our lives.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed week.
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