Wednesday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Our readings today challenge us to single-mindedly seek out God. In the book of Wisdom we read that all power on earth is given by God. The test is whether the power is used to exalt our own purposes or for God’s purpose. The Lord’s mercy is great and just, yet to those who are given many possibilities, much will be expected. That is why the Old Testament author calls us to deeply desire that which is holy. When we learn wisdom and keep holy God’s precepts, then our response to the test will be: we have walked in the ways of the Lord.
Walking in the way of the Lord can be difficult, especially if we our watching our feet all the time. Watching our feet means our focus is still on self. Metaphorically, it might we mean are focused on our own issues. It could mean we watch for the obstacles on the ground that we fear might trip us up if we raise our eyes. Ironically our giving our attention to self in fact is the real obstacle. When we fully desire wisdom, wisdom is what we promised.
Wisdom is not always the same as desire of our prayers. Ten lepers had their eyes oriented toward God and therefore easily recognized that Jesus at a distance. The lepers shouted “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” Jesus took pity and sent them off to the priests. In the process the all lepers were healed physically, yet only one returned to the Lord grateful for this gift. This grateful leper is healed by Jesus again, this time spiritually.
The wisdom of needing spiritual healing is rooted deep in our humanity. One of my favorite college professors, who ministered on the Navajo Reservation as a young Sister told our class a story, is still burned in my mind. Sr. Angela described how one the families had son who broke his arm. He went to the doctor and had his arm set in a cast so it could heal. Then the family took the son to the medicine man so his spirit could be healed as well. This wisdom recognize a deeper working of the Spirit.
We all desire spirit healing, however sometimes we think the physical and the spiritual healing are the same. It is through this awareness, that the gift of spiritual healing transforms our understanding of God’s role in the healing process. Reflect on a situation or relationship that is need of spiritual healing. Pray for the ability to recognize Christ fully present in that person or situation.
Lord, help us to know and recognize You not just intellectually, but with a wisdom that comes through a heart focused on walking and living Your holy way. Amen!
- Deacon Michael Montgomery