Embracing the Healing Power of God

09-08-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Augustine Acheme, VC

This Sunday’s readings speak powerfully to the healing and restorative nature of God’s presence in our lives. Through the prophecy of Isaiah, the exhortation of James, and the miraculous actions of Jesus, we are invited to witness and participate in the transformative power of God, who brings hope and healing to all who seek Him.

In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah delivers a message of hope to a frightened and weary people: “Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you” (Is 35:4). Isaiah’s words are filled with vivid imagery of healing and restoration—the blind seeing, the deaf hearing, the lame leaping, and the mute singing. These miraculous transformations symbolize the profound renewal that God offers to His people, turning desolation into abundance and despair into joy. This passage encourages us to trust in God’s power to heal and renew, even in the most challenging circumstances.

The responsorial psalm continues this theme of divine intervention and care, proclaiming, “Praise the Lord, my soul!” (Ps 146:1). The psalmist celebrates God’s justice, provision, and protection, particularly for the oppressed, the hungry, and the vulnerable. These verses remind us that God is always attentive to our needs, offering liberation and support to those who are marginalized or in distress. Our response to God’s goodness should be one of praise and gratitude, recognizing His constant presence and care in our lives.

In the second reading, James challenges us to examine how we treat others, particularly those who are poor or marginalized. He warns against showing partiality based on external appearances, emphasizing that God has chosen “those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom” (James 2:5). James’ words call us to reflect on our own attitudes and behaviors, urging us to embody the inclusivity and generosity of God’s kingdom in our interactions with others.

The Gospel recounts the healing of a deaf man with a speech impediment by Jesus. In this intimate and compassionate moment, Jesus takes the man aside, touches his ears and tongue, and says, “Ephphatha!” — that is, “Be opened!” (Mk 7:34). The man is immediately healed, able to hear and speak plainly. This miracle demonstrates Jesus’ power to heal both physically and spiritually, opening us to new possibilities of communication and understanding. The people’s astonished response - ”He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak” (Mk 7:37) — acknowledges the completeness of Jesus’ restorative work.

These readings challenge us to embrace the healing power of God in our own lives and to extend that healing to others. Whether we are dealing with physical ailments, emotional wounds, or spiritual struggles, God’s transformative power is available to us. We are called to trust in His ability to bring about change and to participate in His work by showing compassion, justice, and love to those around us.

This week, let us open our hearts to the healing presence of God. Let us seek His restoration in our lives and be instruments of His healing in the lives of others. As we witness the goodness and power of God, may we, like the people in the Gospel, proclaim His works with astonishment and praise, knowing that He continues to “do all things well.” Amen.

Fr. Augustine Acheme, VC