REFLECTION FOR TODAY,
October 26, 2020
By Fr. Andrew Ibegbulem, OSA
Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the sabbath. And a woman was there who for eighteen years had been crippled by a spirit; she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect. When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said, “Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.” He laid his hands on her, and she at once stood up straight and glorified God. Luke 13:10-13
Physical pain, sickness and illness are part and parcel of life. Still they are not to be taken lightly as they wear us down and we don’t have that quality of life that we desire. Hence, good health is what we pray for so that we can live life fully and happily.
Jesus healed a woman who for eighteen years had been possessed by a spirit that left her enfeebled, and she was bent double and quite unable to stand upright. She was in the synagogue, and obviously her foremost prayer would be one for relief of her affliction.
When Jesus cured her of her infirmity, she immediately straightened up and with great rejoicing, she glorified God. If such is the joy of a physical healing, then there is an even greater joy in spiritual healing. Sin in any form is a spiritual affliction that makes us impure and erodes the peace and joy in our hearts.
Every miracle of Jesus is certainly an act of love given toward the person healed. In this story, this woman was suffering for eighteen years and Jesus shows her compassion by healing her. And though it is a clear act of love for her directly, there is much more to the story as a lesson for us.
One message we can take from this story comes from the fact that Jesus heals on His own initiative. Though some miracles are performed at the request and prayer of the one healed, this miracle comes simply through the goodness of Jesus and His compassion. This woman apparently was not seeking a healing, but when Jesus saw her His heart went out to her and He healed her. So, it is with us, Jesus knows what we need before we ask Him. Our duty is to always remain faithful to Him and know that in our fidelity He will give us what we need even before we ask.
A second message comes from the fact that this woman “stood up straight” once she was healed. This is a symbolic image of what grace does to us. When God enters our life, we are able to stand up straight, so to speak. We are able to walk with a new confidence and dignity. We discover who we are and live freely in His grace.
Reflect, today, upon these two facts. God knows every need you have and will answer those needs when it is best for you. Also, when He bestows His grace on you, it will enable you to live in full confidence as His son or daughter.
Lord, I surrender myself to You and trust in Your abundant mercy. I trust that You will enable me to walk in Your ways every day of my life with full confidence. Jesus, I trust in You.