The Gospel today is from Matthew 12 and mentions that many crowds followed Jesus and he cured all of them but told them not to make him known. I honestly do not know what to do with such words. My own journey these past months has seemed miraculous. So many people prayed for me and I know that these intercessions were heard and answered. The surgeon was able to remove my cancerous tumour and the margins and nodes are clear. I had not expected such amazing news. I have found great consolation in knowing that God has been ever-present throughout this ordeal. God has been the Great Physician.

I struggle still with knowing that not all sick people are cured despite the many prayers lifted. All may be healed but cured is not always the case. I have a number of friends who have cancer and have had much more challenging issues like chemotherapy and radiation to endure than me. I know that I have kept them in my prayers as have others but not all were not given an easy walk. I suppose many would argue that my walk is far from easy either. We often do not see our struggles as being as hard as someone else’s. If Jesus can cure all, then why does that not happen? The answer is beyond my reach I believe.

Having said that, I think each of us are given the task of healing and curing others too. There are lots of hurt people in our world. Whether it is a young man who opens fire in a church or at a storefront, or a man who sends letter bombs, or a neighbour who beats her children, hurt people hurt people. Each of us have to take responsibility for making this world a better place, for planting seeds of hope and joy, and for binding up the wounds whenever we can. I think of a young woman I visited in jail for several months. She has not been in touch much since getting out but I know that it is not easy for her. She is broken at her core. I hate to think she cannot be whole again. I wonder though if healing is in her future or if it is too late for her to make different choices. She is so mired in desolation that she does not truly recognize God in anything around her for any length of time. I want to believe in a miracle for her though.

I come back to what Jesus did. He cured all. He did not prevent religious differences from healing others. He did not stop at skin colour, gender, or age. Jesus does not keep score. He does not tally our sins and say that we have reached our limit. He does not give up on us. His desire is for us to be free. What if each one of us helps on that mission? Suppose we make a commitment to not judge the broken ones, to be kind to the ones that seem mean-spirited, and to love those who are least deserving of holding our hearts? What would our world look like if each of us tried this for 24 hours, a week, a month? Would we be cured in the process too?

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

How can you be a light to a broken person today?
Where are you in need of a cure?

Prayer

Great Physician,
we are a wounded people
who have fallen and who
struggle to get up on our own
May we find a helping hand
when we need one
and be a steady grasp when
we encounter one in need.
Help us to be agents of
Your love and mercy
so that our world
can rid itself of pain.

Amen.