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Mk 6: 53-56
Today's Gospel reading tells a simple story about Jesus and the disciples being ambushed by throngs of desperate and suffering people. All these people wanted was an end to their suffering. They were looking for miracles-- looking for hope. They had heard of this miracle worker and trusted that just touching the tassel of his cloak would be enough to provide a cure.
Did they understand that this miracle-worker, Jesus, was really God? I am sure that they didn't. Did they understand that he was the promised Messiah? Maybe? Did they understand that the cure he was offering was much more than simply the curing of the body? Only God really knows the answer to that one.
During Holy Week last year (2009), our five year old daughter mysteriously contracted a deadly virus that nearly killed her. She was hospitalized for almost half a year. As difficult as this experience was for our daughter and our entire family, I can say for certain that there is redemptive power in the suffering.
There is something remarkably powerful about the selfless prayers offered for a little child. We were the recipients of prayers and kindnesses from complete strangers and even those we knew who we never imagined gave thought to God. It seems like there is something in human nature that compels us toward God, whether we know it or not, especially in times of trouble or despair.
One of the greatest graces I have ever received was the grace needed to accept that our daughter was in God's care. I believe that this was the blessing given in recognition that our vigils, prayers and sacrifices had reached the tassels of God's cloak.
Not only was our daughter healed, but we all continue to heal-- both spirit and body.
Did they understand that this miracle-worker, Jesus, was really God? I am sure that they didn't. Did they understand that he was the promised Messiah? Maybe? Did they understand that the cure he was offering was much more than simply the curing of the body? Only God really knows the answer to that one.
Are we so very different in our day?
During Holy Week last year (2009), our five year old daughter mysteriously contracted a deadly virus that nearly killed her. She was hospitalized for almost half a year. As difficult as this experience was for our daughter and our entire family, I can say for certain that there is redemptive power in the suffering.
There is something remarkably powerful about the selfless prayers offered for a little child. We were the recipients of prayers and kindnesses from complete strangers and even those we knew who we never imagined gave thought to God. It seems like there is something in human nature that compels us toward God, whether we know it or not, especially in times of trouble or despair.
One of the greatest graces I have ever received was the grace needed to accept that our daughter was in God's care. I believe that this was the blessing given in recognition that our vigils, prayers and sacrifices had reached the tassels of God's cloak.
Not only was our daughter healed, but we all continue to heal-- both spirit and body.
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