DAILY HOMILIES #healing

In their frustration, the two disciples met Jesus on the way but could not recognise him. They complained: “We had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.” (Luke 24:21). In other words, they were hoping that Jesus would overthrow the Roman authorities (their colonial masters) and become King of Israel. Jesus said to them: “O foolish men…” Why did Jesus call them foolish?

Good Friday shows God understands our pains. He knows what it feels like to love and be rejected, to be betrayed, angry, hungry, insulted, dissatisfied, sick, weak, or sorrowful. Good Friday teaches us that Jesus once felt whatever you were going through today.

Jesus warned the man who had been cured to avoid sin so that nothing worse would happen to him. What else could be worse than suffering for thirty-eight years? What else could be worse than spending half of your lifespan in pain, discomfort, and misery? This is exactly what sin does to us.

Those who accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub believed in Beelzebub’s power. Some Christians are quick to ascribe misfortunes to the devil’s power but find it very hard to believe that God is capable of protecting them or granting their prayers.

From a spiritual perspective, we may define leprosy as a sin, given that it is not only deadly but also highly contagious. Hence, Jesus warned: "Temptations to sin are sure to come; but woe to him by whom they come!"

“Hard times create strong men; strong men create easy times. Easy times create weak men; weak men create difficult times.” These words, to a large extent, capture the story of David, Solomon and Jeroboam.

Do I recognise God’s presence in the temple? Do I believe that Jesus is present body and soul in the Blessed Sacrament? Do I touch Jesus’ body and blood (Holy Communion) with deep faith? Do I also allow Jesus to touch me as He touched Peter’s mother-in-law?

Remember that song: “When Jesus is in the family, happy, happy home…” Jesus’ presence in a home makes all things right. Is there anyone sick in your house? Are you experiencing a family crisis, tired of the headaches of stubborn children, or experiencing marital crisis and infidelity? Then it is time to let Jesus into your house by driving out the devil, by driving out any sinful or evil practices in your homes. Bring Jesus into your bedrooms through prayer, for where two or more are gathered in my name, I am there. (Cf. Matthew 18:20).

To assume that everyone you see well-dressed and sitting calmly in the Church is perfect and holy is to forget that Jesus said: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 7:21). Demonic possession does not show in a person’s face but as Jesus said: “You will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16).

Do not think that because you are a good person (one who strives to live righteously), you are free from enemies. It is possible that you are yet to know your enemies, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Some of those close to you may just be looking out for opportunities to launch deadly attacks (like the Pharisees who followed Jesus everywhere).

Prayer is not all about informing God of our needs and problems (as if He does not already know). Prayer is a relationship, a dialogue. As we talk, we must listen because God speaks to us when we come into His presence.

Ordinarily, you should assume that when something good happens to you, people should be happy for you. Isn’t it? The bitter truth is that there will always be scribes and Pharisees around us - people who take offence knowing we are happy. They pretend to be our friends, but the moment our status changes (when things improve for us), they show their true colours.