Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

(9/8/2024) Gospel Reading: Mark 7:31-37

 

“He Has Done All Things Well”

 

Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the kingdom

and cured every disease among the people.

 

From the desk of Fr. Leo Alban Asuncion

     How often it happens that a person of limited means reaches heights of eminence and success because of hard work and determination, almost in spite of poverty that dogs his or her steps at every turn. One could mention St. John of the Cross and St. Pius the Tenth, both of whom came from families that felt the pinch of poverty very much. Yet booth reached the summits, as did many other poor boys or girls upon whom God's favor fell. A little orphan boy in China many years ago was taken in by missionaries, converted to the faith, became a seminarian and was ordained a priest, became a bishop and finally was chosen as the first Cardinal of China, his Eminence, Thomas Cardinal Tien. God can bring about such marvels.

     Jesus loved all. There was no partiality in his dealing with people. No single instance in the gospels can be found where Jesus caters to the rich because they are instance rich. He enjoyed, at times, the friendship of persons of means, such as Lazarus, Martha, Mary, and Joseph of Arimathea. He accepted invitations, but their wealth never blurred his judgments, as can be seen by his unmasking their hypocrisy on just such an occasion. He even gently chided Martha for an elaborate preparation of a meal, an occasion when it was not at all necessary. To the young man who stated he would follow Christ wherever he went, Jesus explained that he had nowhere to lay his head, indicating what awaited those who were his close disciples. In his first sermon he quoted the prophet saying that he was sent to bring glad tidings to the poor. When choosing the Twelve who would be with him always, he picked the ordinary working man, such as such as fishermen, tax-collector and the like. He was at home with the common laborer, having been one himself. His had always been a simple peasant's home, a day -laborer's menu, a carpenter's workbench. By his own choice he belonged to those whose social condition was not that of the wealthy. He never made any attempt to excuse or disguise this fact. He told his followers to eat what was put before them, and undoubtedly, he practiced what he preached. Coarse barley bread and dried fish he shared with the rest, and there is never mention of any complaint concerning food, clothing or shelter. Nor do you find him exacting a remuneration for his many healing and other miracles or asking a salary for his continued instructions. He called the poor in spirit blessed, for their aims were on the higher blessings of God's reign.

     Wealth may afford comfort and ease, but the Lord's words and example ought to make everyone wary of putting one’s trust in earthly possessions. The real treasures of a person are within. If, on the contrary, the inch of poverty is felt because of the constantly increasing food prices, high cost of living, and similar demands, we can feel more at home with Christ “who made himself poor though he was rich, so that we might become rich by his poverty.” (2 Corinthians 8:9).

*** + ***

Meditation: How do you expect the Lord Jesus to treat you when you ask for his help? Do you approach with fear and doubt, or with faith and confidence? Jesus never turned anyone aside who approached him with sincerity and trust. And whatever Jesus did, he did well. He demonstrated both the beauty and goodness of God in his actions.

The Lord's touch awakens faith and brings healing
When Jesus approaches a man who is both deaf and a stutterer, Jesus shows his considerateness for this man's predicament. Jesus takes him aside privately, not doubt to remove him from embarrassment with a noisy crowd of gawkers (onlookers). Jesus then puts his fingers into the deaf man's ears and he touches the man's tongue with his own spittle to physically identify with this man's infirmity and to awaken faith in him. With a word of command the poor man's ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.

What is the significance of Jesus putting his fingers into the man's ears? Gregory the Great, a church father from the 6th century, comments on this miracle: "The Spirit is called the finger of God. When the Lord puts his fingers into the ears of the deaf mute, he was opening the soul of man to faith through the gifts of the Holy Spirit."

The transforming power of kindness and compassion
The people's response to this miracle testifies to Jesus' great care for others: He has done all things well. No problem or burden was too much for Jesus' careful consideration. The Lord treats each of us with kindness and compassion and he calls us to treat one another in like manner. The Holy Spirit who dwells within us enables us to love as Jesus loves. Do you show kindness and compassion to your neighbors and do you treat them with considerateness as Jesus did?

Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit and inflame my heart with love and compassion. Make me attentive to the needs of others that I may show them kindness and care. Make me an instrument of your mercy and peace that I may help others find healing and wholeness in you.

   read more at: http://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org

*** + ***