Jesus doesn't disappoint

Today, modern medicine, with its ability to treat so many illnesses, has lessened the fear and anxiety over getting sick (Covid aside).  But in Jesus’ time, serious illness was of far greater concern.  For that reason, the desire of so many people to bring their sick to Jesus so that they could be healed was very strong.  This desire drove them to Jesus so that “they might touch only the tassel on his cloak” and be healed. And Jesus didn’t disappoint. [Mark 6:53-56]

I like to place myself in the scene sometimes when reflecting on a reading.  I imagine being near the shore of the Sea of Galilee and hearing the waves lap gently against the shore.  I can see the surrounding green hills and fell a sense of calm.  I hear that the healer from Nazareth will soon be in our village.  He is reputed to have miraculous powers to ease our physical burdens.  I’ve suffered greatly from a lame arm for many years and believe He can cure me.  My neighbor also has a terrible skin affliction but is skeptical Jesus can help him.  When I ask him to join me in going to see this prophet, he says “Touch His hem?  Bah, how can that help?  But sure, why not – after all, it can’t hurt.”  We move along with the crush of the crowd but become separated as we approach Jesus.  The crowd pushes me away, while my friend is able to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment, and he is cured of his illness.  I couldn’t get near, and as Jesus moved away, my chance was lost.  I wonder about the fairness of this when I, and others like me, who do believe strongly, also didn’t get close enough to touch His robe, and so we were not cured.  Why was this skeptic cured and we weren’t?  I have mixed feelings.

Though Jesus’ physical healings were unquestionably an act of charity given to those who were sick and to their families, they obviously weren’t the most important thing Jesus did.  And it’s important for us to remind ourselves of that fact.  Jesus’ healings were primarily for the purpose of preparing the people to listen to His Word and to ultimately receive the spiritual healing of the forgiveness of their sins.

In your own life, if you were seriously ill and were given the option to receive either a physical healing or to receive the spiritual healing of the forgiveness of your sins, which would you choose?  Clearly, the spiritual healing of the forgiveness of your sins is of infinitely greater value.  It will affect your soul for all eternity.  The truth is that this far greater healing is available to us all, especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  In that Sacrament, we are invited to “touch the tassel on his cloak,” so to speak, and be spiritually healed. For that reason, we should have a much deeper desire to seek out Jesus in the confessional than the people of Jesus’ day had for physical healing.  And yet, too often we ignore the priceless gift of God’s mercy and healing offered so freely to us.

Think about the desire in the hearts of the people in this Gospel story. Think, especially, about those who were seriously ill and about their burning desire to come to Jesus for healing.  Compare that desire in their hearts to the desire, or lack of desire, in your heart to run to our Lord for the spiritual healings your soul so desperately needs.  Seek to foster a greater desire for this healing, especially as it comes to you through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

My healing Lord, I thank You for the spiritual healing You continually offer me, especially through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  I thank You for the forgiveness of my sins on account of You suffering on the Cross.  Fill my heart with a greater desire to come to You so as to receive the greatest gift I could ever receive: the forgiveness of my sins. Jesus, I trust in You.