The response for today’s Psalm is “Our God is the God of salvation.” When God became man in the person of Jesus Christ, He came to lead a fallen human race to salvation. His mission of salvation to the world includes healing. First spiritual healing, but also plenty of physical healing.
In our Gospel reading, Jesus interrupts His sabbath teaching in the synagogue to perform a miraculous work of healing mercy. A woman who has been crippled and physically twisted for eighteen years is cured when Jesus lays His hands on her.
Imagine how it must have been for this woman. In an instant her very perspective on the world changed as she straightened up and viewed it from a new height.
Why Not Heal Everyone?
Sadly, not everyone is pleased with the woman’s miraculous recovery. The leader of the synagogue (who may not have been too pleased to have Jesus teaching there in the first place) angrily rebukes the crowd for cluttering up the sabbath with their need for healing.
Jesus silences his critics with the observation that even Jewish sabbath laws allow for the watering of beasts of burden. Are not the chosen children of God worthy of more consideration? Throughout salvation history, reactions to Jesus’ healing acts have been mixed. Our various human motives cloud our hearts and eyes in understanding God’s will.
There is a common question that is a struggle for many. Since God’s healing power is unlimited, why did he choose to physically heal only a few? Why not heal everyone?
‘Offering Up’ Our Suffering
“The Chosen” is an online series about Jesus’s disciples. In one of the episodes there is a touching interaction between Jesus and the apostle James the Lesser (nicknamed “little James” in the show). The show’s writers have imagined little James as suffering from a palsy that gives him a slow limping gait. James has just watched Jesus heal someone of a similar ailment. As James speaks with Jesus about healing for himself, he asks, “Why haven’t you?” Jesus responds, “Because I trust you.” Jesus goes on to explain that the trust he has in James is that when James himself becomes a healer, his example of trust in the will of God will be an inspiration that will lead far more souls to heaven than a healing miracle. “Many are healed or not healed because God’s will is a mystery.”
Even though this dialog is an invention of the show writers, the message rings true. We all want to be healed and we will be. If not on earth, then in heaven. However, the most important healing needs to occur in our hearts with the desire to understand and follow God’s will.
“Offer it up” has become a cliche of Catholic piety. That is until we see it in action. The uncomplaining suffering of someone who is uncomplaining and patient precisely because of their faith in God’s will is one of the most powerful of witnesses. Most of us have the opportunity to display this witness every day. Whether we are suffering from a physical ailment or an internal disappointment, the realization that God is giving us a chance to participate in His plan makes all the difference in our attitude.
I’ve been questioning God about HIS healing choices or not through frequent dialogue. For me, I don’t understand why the most vulnerable, children, the poor, seniors, homeless must suffer through illness and pain. I pray for healing and still question. I understand that I and others have a role in helping people who are ill and need assistance. And I a aware of the healing works of Catholic Relief Services, Catholic Charities and other groups, religious and non-religious in providing healing and care for those who are sick and disabled. Yet, I still say to God, why do you allow children and others to not be healed? It is not a question of distrust of God’s will for me and others; it is because I still don’t understand why some and not others.
Sincerely,