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Deacon’s Beacon: Jesus The Healer

The Message of Sunday’s Readings

As we listen to this Sunday’s First Reading from the book of Job, it sounds much like our world for the past year.  Like Job, we all come on times of stress and chaos in our lives.  And we learn that there are many aspects of life for which there are no easy solutions.

For example, now we constantly hear messages from medical experts advising us on how to best deal with the Covid-19 pandemic – wear facemasks, social distancing and others.  Now we are anxiously awaiting getting vaccinated to lessen the potential of a major illness or death.

For years we’ve heard readings from the book of Job and we have been glad that our world was organized and planned.  Covid-19 has shown us that life – indeed – is chaotic and uncertain.

Where do we turn for answers?

As always, the answer is – we turn to God.  In this Sunday’s gospel Jesus is followed by Simon and Andrew (and James and John) into Simon’s house, where his mother-in-law lays sick with a fever.  Jesus goes over to her grasps her hand and raises her up.  She is healed through the power of God, and she immediately “waits on them.”

This is not merely household service but signifies service to the community.  Now, she also is a disciple of Jesus.  As the word of Jesus’ healing powers spreads through the village, most of the villagers flock to meet Jesus and be healed.  Jesus’ work in that village is complete; the people can now minister to each other.

Jesus reaches out to heal us

In the same way Jesus reaches out to heal us – and, as we respond to His healing message, we then are called to bring God’s healing message to the people in our life.  We see that in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians when he says that as God has shown him the way, he now has an obligation to bring that message to others.  That is what God expects of us.

Jesus reaches out to others

On next Sunday, February 14, the message of human suffering continues.  A leper approaches Jesus and says, “If you wish, you can make me clean.”  A leper was considered unclean in body and in spirit and was violating the law by approaching Jesus.  Jesus was violating the law by touching the leper.  But He’s showing His concern for human needs.  Jesus reaches out to the leper, showing His compassion and love for all people and He expects us to follow His lead.

What can we do?

Next Sunday, February 14, is a food collection for St. Mark’s.  We will be collecting food at the parish garage from 9am until noon.  Your support with nonperishable food items is greatly appreciated.  Their food pantry services all people in the community.

Next Sunday also is St. Valentine’s Day.  We buy cards, candies, and tokens of our love for those we love.  Jesus also tells us to reach out to all of our sisters and brothers – especially those with “special needs”?

Then comes Lent – Ash Wednesday is February 17!  Here are a few words from Pope Francis:

Do you want to fast this Lent?

Fast from:

•  Hurting words and say kind words.
•  Sadness and be filled with gratitude;
•  Anger and be filled with patience;
•  Pessimism and be filled with hope;
•  Worries and have trust in God;
•  Complaints and contemplate simplicity;
•  Pressures and be prayerful;
•  Bitterness and fill our hearts with joy;
•  Selfishness and be compassionate to others;
•  Grudges and be reconciled;
•  Words and be silent so you can listen.

The above message of the pope can help us focus on the real healing and sacrifice that we can experience this Lenten season –

I wish good health physically and spiritually to all!

Deacon Tom Corcoran

“You are the light of the world.  Do not light a lamp then put it under a bushel basket…. your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Heavenly Father.”  Matthew 5:5-16

Please send your comments to: irenetomc@hotmail.com