A Reflection for Saturday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
You can find today’s readings here.
I had the great privilege of visiting Capernaum when on pilgrimage to the Holy Land with America Media. When I recall my time there, I vividly remember St. Peter’s Church where we celebrated the first mass of the journey. The modern church is built upon archaeological ruins, and I felt deeply the layers of devotion and history. It is also there where Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law.
Although her healing is a short verse in this passage, Jesus quietly heals her once he sees her suffering. All he does is simply touch her hand and then she is able to get up and serve him. It is a good reminder that not all of God’s healing is done with fanfare. In fact, I can recall quite a few times in which God has quietly touched my own heart to heal.
About a year ago, we unexpectedly lost my father-in-law six short weeks after my mother-in-law succumbed to cancer. The grief washed over our family as they were both woven into the fabric of my family’s daily life. We spent countless dinners together, they never missed my boys’ sporting events or performances, and holidays were always showered in love, laughter and time together. Their loss was as pervasive as their presence.
I would be kidding if I said that we didn’t still experience grief. It continues to come in waves and sometimes takes me or my family by surprise. That said, over time we have found peace and healing through prayer, support from friends and colleagues, serving others, being in nature and by recognizing the numerous graces God has given us. At times, the healing has felt almost sacred.
With gratitude for our graces and openness to healing, our family was called to service. This past Christmas we spent the majority of the day serving a hot meal and distributing gifts to deserving families in our community. Christmas was certainly not the same without my inlaws but bringing joy to deserving neighbors on a holiday helped heal their absence.
Can you recall a time when you have been healed by Jesus’ gentle touch? Maybe it is as you healed from grief of the loss of a spouse or family member, a fractured relationship was restored or when experiencing a spiritual drought. Similar to Peter’s mother-in-law, did you immediately respond with gratitude through serving others? Perhaps this is something to consider.
