Readings: Gen.1:1-19, Ps.104, Mark 6:53-56
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.
EXPERIENCING THE HEALING TOUCH OF JESUS
In the creation story, we were told that God created everything so good and perfect, just as we have it in our first reading today. But out of pride and greediness, humanity has destroyed and keeps 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 forms such as natural disasters, illnesses, diseases, afflictions, slavery and troubles.
But time and time again, God, though not pleased with this destructive nature of humanity, has not stopped to restore humanity back 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, just like St. Scholastica whose memorial we celebrate today. Despite the challenges of the time, she lived a virtuous and prayerful life, dedicated wholly to God and committed herself to live an upright life of piety and charity, inspiring others in her community to be more dedicated and faithful to God. St. Scholastica showed us all what it truly means to be Christians.
Hence, let us discern what we can do to contribute, in our little ways, towards ensuring the restoration of humanity and all God’s creation, which we are destroying by our lives and actions. 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 towards 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.
LET US PRAY: Lord God, we submit our lives into your care, let your healing touch restore us once again. And through the intercessions of St. Scholastica, may the victims of human persecutions and slavery experience restoration and the healing touch of Jesus in their lives. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a blessed week.
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