Readings:
Hosea 2:16,17-18,21-22
Matthew 9: 18-26
Reflection:
One can only marvel at the approach Jesus takes in his ministry. It’s always so God centred that is, emphatic, through compassion, mercy, justice and forgiveness.
The first reading from Hosea the prophet is the Old Testament is a powerful story of how God searches us out even when we don’t want to be found. Ever gently, calling us back to ourselves, ever tenderly luring us away from hate to seeking a path where we find we are valuable, lovable and acceptable. A journey of reconciliation is a journey home where we find our true self and start to find people around us who resect, appreciate and call us friend. Too often we forget these people and think as much of the world wants us think is just being ‘out for yourself’. That, the power is in being ‘individual’ well, I think that is a place we find death. Life is found in being with others, sharing, loving and having fun.
And the gospel reminds us of what Jesus continually does. He seeks out those who are lost and shouts out their faith and belief through attending to them, curing them, not in a magical sense. Rather, through compassion, care, listening and celebrating how God’s work is rewarded and seen, in actions of faith and belief. When we are ‘in common’ we open ourselves to the reconciling love of God and start to see God moving among us and that the gifts of others are sources of love, healing and support for the road to God paved through love and forgiveness.
“It is not sufficient that Jesus Christ be formed in us; He must be recognized in our conduct.” Catherine McAuley
Paul Traynor is married to Clare and has two children Sam and Lucy. He lives in Greytown which is in the Wairarapa Region on the North Island of New Zealand. Paul is currently working as the National Passionist Family Groups Coordinator for Aotearoa, New Zealand.