Readings:
Micah 2: 1-5
Matthew 12: 14-21
Reflecting on the gospel today leaves me with a sense of curiosity! Jesus’ direction is hard to completely understand. I find myself dwelling on the words ‘but warned them not to make him known’. For me personally, I wonder how the people felt in receiving physical healing only to hear these words? It is a meditation that requires deep stillness, letting go of self, of ego, of reality to a degree, in order to enter the unfamiliar scene, the language of the day and often I am not able to!
The reality for me is that on some days I feel like shouting in thanksgiving for the blessings poured on me, not to mention the heart igniting relationship I hold with Jesus and this on a day of not being physically healed! Pondering – Is it possible to live in a world where no expression is given for blessings, graces, mercy, healing and unconditional love?
Maybe this is the reflection, if Jesus felt so strongly about not wanting others to talk of his healing, why is his ministry on earth a continual cycle of going into particular areas, preaching, teaching and healing? After all the reading reminds us of Jesus’ awareness of the Pharisees’ plan to destroy Him. Jesus withdraws and as he goes to leave the synagogue, many followed Him and it says that ‘He healed (cured) them’ (v15) We know that Jesus healed many people who did not believe in Him for salvation. Of the ten lepers He healed physically only one was healed spirituality and showed evidence in giving thanks.
This leaves me feeling that Jesus had several reasons for giving such instructions of not speaking of the source of their healing. One might have been due to the Scribes and Pharisees’ hearing of His miracle would only anger or escalate the current situation. Yet this seems a little too much of Jesus, self -focus for me to fully sit with. Another might have been awareness of the natural reaction of people who gather for physical healing rather Jesus’ mission with a focus on the spiritual, not just bodies. ‘So God’s promise came true just as Isaiah the prophet had said.’ (V17)
This guides me to acknowledge that Jesus didn’t ask the people to forget but he asked them to appreciate the meaning of their experience. Translating this into today, a reminder as we are so quick with our phones, cameras and social media news reports that we often miss the opportunity to reflect about what has happened. To reflect on how God is at work in a way that deserves patient appreciation rather than instant analysis and discussion. What an invitation we are given?
Sr Karen Englebretsen CP, Cross and Passion Sisters. blessed to be a spiritual care worker in the homeless sector in Melbourne.