+ The gospel passage today talks of Jesus as comforter and healer – and
such he was. And although this was an important part of his daily works, it was
not the most important: effecting internal change and conversion
was far more important than external manifestations of good health and
wellness. In the end, everything must be lined up: the salvation to be wrought
by his inevitable death and resurrection; and the readiness of mankind to
receive the graces and blessings thereof. May we today ask for the kind of
health and wellness we truly need so that we will be thus ready: and that is
spiritual health and well-being.
The first reading is very
interesting and complementary: St. Paul tells the Corinthians that the work of
conversion may employ men, but it is God who causes the real changes and brings
about the final effect of reconciliation. It is very important to remember that
the apostles and priests of the church are “God’s co-workers” and the people are
the very “field of God,” the “building of God”: the work of the worker - if
they cooperate and by their act of faith count themselves into the project at
hand: their salvation!
The
Lord sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor and to proclaim liberty to
captives: and I have sent my closest friends to do the same: may all
in the world get the benefit of our work this day by believing!