Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Have you ever walked a mile in the shoes of another person, especially a person for whom you had little ability to understand? Imagine seeing from the eyes of the person who you liked least. Imagine seeing from their perspective and realize that they too might see you as completely opposite of themselves. Is it that possible that seeing another empathetically might even change the way you see yourself.
Today’s readings remind us that Christ came to be one with us. Jesus came to be one with us to make us whole. He also showed us that no matter what our hurt we are to bring it to him for healing. Not only does the Lord remember his covenant forever, as our psalm response today states, the Lord will remember it for an infinite time as suggested by the numerological phrase of a thousand generations. When God enters into a covenant, it is for keeps. This is not a contract that can be broken. God keeps God’s promises.
Today’s gospel shows us a few of the many ways of how God is remembering the covenant. After praying, Jesus entered Simon Peter’s house to find Simon’s mother-in-law sick. He healed her and the many that were brought to him that evening. Not only did he heal various diseases, he also drove out demons. The next day, Jesus went out early to pray in a deserted place. When the apostles came to find him, they wanted him to return to the village and continue his healing ministry. After his prayer, Jesus led the apostles throughout Galilee to preach and heal.
Although little known, one of the understandings of demon is a bad habit. What person among us would not want to have our bad habits expiated? Jesus came to free us from this slavery, this bondage, this sin. A deeper reflection on these readings might give us a glimpse of Jesus’ approach. The readings remind us that Jesus understood suffering, took time to pray, and from that reality was empowered to do ministry.
As we go about the tasks of the day, let us remember to take some quiet time to recharge our batteries. Lord, we offer to you today our brokenness; we ask you to help heal us, free us from all sin and grant us peace, so that we to may go forth to see every one as You did. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
-Michael Montgomery