Jesus Redeems the Suffering Humanity
When we reflect on the terrible problems some people have, we ask ourselves why it should be like this. In the first reading Job describes in dramatic terms the situation of humanity on earth in response to his friend Eliphaz who tried to explain that sin was the cause of Job’s sufferings, that Job should not claim that he is innocent, and that Job should humble himself and repent (Job 4:1-5:27). Job replies to Eliphaz that his conscience is clear and truly wants to know what sin he has committed (Job 6:24). Job at the end discovered that suffering was indeed a mystery, we cannot just understand fully especially when it comes to the suffering of the righteous like Job. The gospel reading is a reply to the problems by Job. Jesus sees the sad reality of suffering and disease. He takes it on and exhorts his disciples to engage in bringing about the new world that he has just begun. In the second reading we have the example of Paul, a man who did not spare himself in his dedication to his mission, giving up his rights so as not to be an obstacle to the growth of the Kingdom.
Job laments: “My pain is more than I can bear. I can’t sleep at night. I shall not see happiness again. ”This is a cry we all feel within ourselves at some time or other in life. Maybe our hurt is not physical but emotional, such as a marriage in distress, a child’s rebellion or a friend’s betrayal and so on. When we feel pain, regardless of its sources, we want to join Job and say, “I shall never see happiness again. “This is a crisis of faith. Jesus comes into our world of suffering, takes us by the hand like He did with Simon’s mother-in-law, and heals us. Jesus sees that the deepest healing we all need is spiritual. It is in this context that we can best understand the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick that brings us spiritual healing, strength and peace. We must constantly ask for the grace to bear suffering patiently.
Job faced reality head on and declared: “Life on earth” is “a drudgery” (Jb 7:1). He described life as being “assigned months of misery” (Jb 7:3). Nights are long; days are short (Jb 7:4, 6) and, when we reach the end of them, we are without hope (Jb 7:6). The only Answer to the drudgery of human existence is Jesus. Jesus is not only the Hope for humanity, but the only Hope we need. Jesus walks into the typical town filled with suffering, sick, and even demon-possessed people. He both announces the Good News and creates it. He begins by healing Peter's mother in-law of fever, and before long He’s healed many sick people and driven out countless demons (Mk 1:31-34). It is Good News when Jesus comes to town. He turns a miserable little village into a paradise of health, happiness, and true freedom.
In transforming the village of Simon and Andrew, Jesus began by grasping the hand of Simon’s mother-in-law. A new life and a new town begins with someone putting a hand in Jesus’ hand. This is not just a handshake; it is expressing a total commitment to Jesus. We let go of everything we are holding on to for meaning and hope in life, and we hold on to Jesus, and only Jesus, for dear life. Then the Good News for ourselves and our town begins.
Do you allow Jesus to be the Lord and healer in your personal life, family, and community? Approach the Lord with expectant faith. God's healing power restores us not only to health but to active service and care of others. There is no trouble he does not want to help us with and there is no bondage he can't set us free from. Do you take your troubles to him with expectant faith that he will help you?
Let us Pray
Lord Jesus Christ, you have all power to heal and to deliver from harm. There is no trouble nor bondage you cannot overcome. Set me free to serve you joyfully and to love and serve others generously. May nothing hinder me from giving myself wholly to you and to your service. Amen
Be blessed
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