September 8, 2024・23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

Isaiah 35.4-7/ Psalm 146.1+2+10a,6c+7,8ac+9bc/ James 2.1-5/ Mark 7.31-37

 

Our readings today remind us that we are all beneficiaries of God`s healing and transformation. This healing and transformation enable us to truly listen to/hear His message. The same healing and transformation enable us to courageously tell to people of all walks of life (not selective and without any unnecessary discrimination) our experiences of healing and transformation.

With the sad realities of both physical and emotional sicknesses, and of many other challenges in this world, we cannot deny the truth/fact that the weak, the poor, and voiceless in the society are often being left behind. In here let us together understand why the heart of Jesus is always inclined for the poor and the needy, and for those who are sick. Oftentimes, they are the ones deprived of attention for an immediate healing and care.

 

We are called to imitate Jesus, our Lord in His justice and care for those who are often left behind. Any mindset and way of life based on material wealth is against Christian faith. We are then called to act on our faith.

 

God`s call to act on our faith each day gives us further challenges. Helping the poor and visiting the sick demands few adjustments from our regular self-serving schedules. Lending time and effort to people who are being left behind may (can) delay our travels and our plans in life…with such inconvenience and hassle. Moreover, we often ask ourselves what profit we can get out of turning our hearts to these people.

 

Jesus` healing of the deaf man can be very symbolic of God`s calling for us to act on our faith daily. Jesus has brought back both the hearing/listening and speaking ability of the man in our gospel. We too may receive the same healing that will enable us to truly listen to His message, and the same healing that will enable us to courageously speak and tell others of our experiences of healing and transformation.  

 

By truly listening to the message of Jesus, and courageously telling/sharing our healing and transformation experiences, we become more caring to the poor, the needy, and the sick.

 

We continue to put our faith and trust in Him that we will always be transformed from our hesitance/reluctance “to really live our faith” through generosity (being fair or being just).