All of us we have suffered in our body and mind. Suffering is for everyone in this world. Today we talk about the mystery of human suffering and the healing power of Jesus. Suffering is something we face everyday: We suffer when we deal with depression, divorce, illness, or family problems. We suffer when we see injustice, war and poverty. We suffer when we listen to bad news. When we watch TV or listen to the radio, we realize that our world is full of suffering. Recently, a Mexican guy came to share with me his suffering. He told me that his father passed away two days ago and his mother is very sick. The doctors say that it is not for long time. He would like to go, at least to assist his mother who is dying but he cannot. The situation in the border is very difficult. And not going, he won’t feel at peace. He has a dilemma. This situation broke my heart.
Sometimes, we regret our coming into the world. We blame God. And we come to the point to ask, why does God allow such suffering! Where is God? Such was the condition Job found himself in the first reading. His problem was physical, emotional, spiritual, financial and whatever you can imagine. We know the story. Job lost everything. But amidst of this, Job never forgot God. He never lost his faith. He remained faithful to God. Why all about suffering? It seems like a boring message. We are not complaining or preaching about suffering. If we talk about it, it is because there is hope. Because we believe in the healing power of Jesus.
Today’s gospel tells us that Jesus healed many people. So, we believe that He can heal our body and mind, too. Unlike Job in our first reading today, we would come to realize that there is hope amidst all these troubles we are facing, that we can still see and experience happiness here and now despite the sorrow and sadness we may feel at times. There is hope because we will realize that suffering is just part of our life, but sufferings are not forever. On the other hand, the gospel reminds us that having been healed of our brokenness, we too become instrument of healing for others. Like Peter’s mother in law, once she was cured, she got up and served Jesus and those who were present. This example shows us that those who have been healed, or blessed, are expected to serve the Lord, to be an instrument of mercy and compassion in a broken world around us.
My brothers and sisters, when something happens to us or to our loved ones, we ask God for healing. But at the same time, we have to reflect and ask ourselves: Is God testing our faith? Is God testing our perseverance? Is God testing our love towards others? Or is God teaching us self control, to refrain us from gossiping or judging others? There are some questions for our meditation for this week.
So, let us pray for the sick and all people who are suffering in the world, that God heal them in their body and mind.
