Reflection

Are you able to heal people? Physically, spiritually, emotionally?

If so, you will be in big demand.

Something similar happens in last Sunday’s Gospel. Jesus is meeting with His disciples after they return from preaching His message of salvation and love to the neighbouring villages. Apparently, they were very successful since a large crowd follows them all the way back to Our Lord!

Jesus notices this and yet appreciates His disciples’ need for rest. He invites them to 'Come away to a quiet place to rest' but the enormous crowd presses in on them. Why is that?

People recognized a good thing when they heard it …and they wanted more! Jesus notices they seem 'like sheep without a shepherd' meaning their leaders had not been able to provide the answers they needed. 

The people found their answers when they heard Our Lord’s disciples preach and live the virtues of the Kingdom of God. That was the 'healing' they needed!

Jesus' message is of love conquers sin. Love is seeking the authentic good of another as God wills, while sin is seeking only your own satisfaction and only as you selfishly want it. 

The disciples heard this message and took it to the nearby villages and found amazing success. There is plenty of need for healing in our world. We can be a visible example of love in our own life every day. We can offer help and encouragement to those who feel hopeless or discouraged by lockdown or restrictions. We can be a support to those who are struggling as this time by taking time to listen or by visiting when we can.

May we able to be responsive to the needs of those around us so that we can bring the healing power of God’s love to all.

Holy Family of Nazareth – Be our inspiration and our guide.

Jesus of Nazareth – Help us to grow in faith, wisdom and knowledge.