Paul speaks of spending his life in service of the Gospel — to preach it free of charge to all persons. “I have made myself a slave to all so as to win as many as possible”; “To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak. I have become all things to all, to save at least some.”
Jesus was pressed by the crowds at night and at dawn. They sought him out.
He “went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.”
But they pursued him – whole towns who were seeking healing and to be freed from demons. Jesus spent himself for others. In each of these readings today, there is an emptying of self, yet for very different reasons and with very different results.
Job found emptiness that became meaninglessness.
Paul found ultimate meaning in preaching the Gospel, and to this end he dedicated the rest of his life.
Jesus was pursued. No matter where he went, he was found. Not only did he know there was meaning in what he said and did, but the people knew it, too, and sought what he had to offer to restore their lives.
In John’s Gospel, Jesus would finally say, “I am the way, the truth and the life.”
It could not be put more simply. Jesus as healer and restorer of life is the Jesus that many still seek today. The greatest healing throughout the Gospel goes to, and comes from, the center of the spirit in each of us. It is there that we open up to God to find strength, meaning, hope, life, truth – the way!
The responsorial psalm invites our praise of the Lord, “who heals the brokenhearted.”
Let us lift up our hearts! Let us lift them high and sing out our praise to the Lord who is good, gracious, who rebuilds and gathers, who heals the brokenhearted, and who binds up their wounds; who calls each by name, who sustains, and in whom there is wisdom without limit!
Father Perry D. Leiker is the 14th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at pleiker@stbernard-church.com. Follow Father Perry on Twitter: @MrDeano76.
