DAILY HOMILIES #healing

It was on the Cross that Jesus broke the bond that the devil held over humanity. This is precisely what Jesus meant when He said, “When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men to myself.” (John 12:32). It was on the cross that Jesus “finished” the devil and accomplished His mission. Far from being an object of pain, shame and ridicule, the Cross has become a powerful weapon against the devil – a reminder of how Christ, the stronger man, overpowered the devil and took away his spoils. (cf. Luke 11:21-22).

Jesus rose very early the next morning and went to a quiet place to pray. When the Holy Spirit leads us, we are stirred to pray. Jesus went to a quiet place to pray, teaching us that prayer is intimacy with God: “And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites… go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:5-6).

Jesus teaches that if your faith is as small as a mustard seed (if you have the tiniest atom of expectation), all you need to do is to speak, and mountains will begin to move for your sake. Our tongues have power, but only those who recognise it can use it. Be careful of your choice of words. You may have several challenges and difficulties, but always talk as a person of faith. Avoid the mistake of the Israelites, who, while on their journey to the Promised Land, rebelled against God by their choice of words.

Dear friend, do you constantly complain about others? Or are you a Jacob who knows how best to take advantage of whatever situation may arise? When was the last time you asked for a blessing from your parents or an older person? Jacob did not complain about the time spent wrestling. He looked at the positive side. Jesus also did not say anything to those who criticised Him; instead, He focused on His Call; He attended to the crowds who were like sheep without a shepherd.

The ruler knew his daughter was dead, but firmly believed that Jesus had a solution for death. He invited Jesus to heal his daughter’s condition, much as one would ask an electrician to replace a faulty switch. Faith does not begin with the occurrence of a miracle. Faith makes it happen. Believe that no matter what you face, it is not beyond what God can handle.

By asking if the twelve wished to leave, Jesus was testing their commitment. Like the crowd, Jesus knew that the twelve did not understand the Eucharist, but He wanted to know if their faith was strong enough to withstand tough times. If you cannot endure the bad times, you won’t be around to enjoy the good times. If Peter had walked away from Jesus when He taught about the Eucharist, would he perform signs and wonders in today’s first reading?

When we go for confession, God forgives our sins and washes us so that we can confidently say we become new creatures. God does not remember our sins because the moment we offload them at the confessional, our old self dies, and we leave as newborn babies. Just as you cannot accuse an infant of sin, God no longer accuses us of the sins that we have dropped at the confessional. Never be too shy to go to confession; it is not the priest who forgives us, but Jesus Christ who gave the priest the power to retain or absolve sins in His name.

Peter addressed them: “Men of Israel, why do you stare as though we had made him walk by our power or piety?” Never worship God’s ministers; even the devil can heal in the name of Jesus Christ. On the other hand, never assume you are too small (or too sinful) to invoke the name of Jesus Christ. You don’t have to be ordained to be a healer.

By healing the lame man, Peter gave him something beyond silver and gold – healing from paralysis. This man would no longer need to be carried from place to place. He would provide for himself. Value spiritual wealth over financial riches. You may not have all the money you crave, but as long as you have God, you have everything.

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 what you are going through today. In today’s Second Reading, the Book of Hebrews says: “For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15). Fix your gaze on the Crucifix, you will hear Jesus saying: “I know what you are going through.”

Speaking through the Prophet Isaiah, God says: “In a time of favour I have answered you, on a day of salvation I have helped you; I have kept you and given you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages.” (Isaiah 49:8) Your time of favour is coming, and it is never late. It was not late for Lazarus; it will not be late for you.

A Roman Court official whose son was sick met Jesus, pleading that Jesus would go with him to heal his son. Jesus told him, "Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” The official did not understand what Jesus meant by “unless you see signs.” He prayed even louder: “Sir, please come down before my child dies.” Jesus assured him: “Go; your son will live.” Without further questions, “the official believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went his way.” When the priest says, “Go forth, the Mass is ended”, consider these words as coming from Jesus’ lips. Go home joyful, hopeful and happy. Go with positive expectations.