GOD IS INTERESTED IN OUR BODIES AS WELL AS OUR SOULS (cf. 3 John 1:2)

by Fr. Julius

The healing power of Jesus is available to everyone. Although sickness and suffering could be opportunities to glorify God, as was the case with Job in the First reading, God does not take delight in our suffering. This is why Jesus healed those who were sick and possessed by demons, to demonstrate his concern for their bodily integrity as he was of their spiritual health.

As such, any theology that calls for disregard for the body while prioritizing the soul would be incorrect, because a God who is only concerned about our spiritual welfare without regard for our temporal wellbeing would not be the God revealed by Jesus Christ. God is interested in the whole person, who is a composite of both body and soul. So, let us ask Jesus to heal us like he healed Peter’s mother-in-law. And with the Psalmist, let us “Praise the Lord who heals the brokenhearted.”

I would like to share some reflections I received from parishioners this past week on the theme “If today you hear his voice harden not your heart.” I use initials for their names in order to respect their privacy.

1
As Christians I think we know that this life is temporary, but knowing it is not enough. The world calls us to be a success and to have power, money, status and we accomplish this by dedicating ourselves to hard work. We are taught to be strong and independent, work hard and seek after higher positions. This is contrary to what Jesus teaches and wants for us. To keep our focus on where our true citizenship is requires time spent in prayer, in scripture study, in the sacraments, and fellowship with other Christians. It is a lifelong process, a journey ----- Parishioner K

2
Although I very rarely feel like I "hear: direct instruction from God to do something specific, I did yesterday, during the scripture reading.
(Anyway-- it during the epistle and Gospel scripture readings, it suddenly seemed clear to me that I was supposed to donate $*** from my retirement savings to some group providing essential service--food, shelter, medical care--to Palestinians in Gaza, and another $*** to another group providing essential services to the war refugees in Sudan. (That's not so much money that I expect hardship, without it--and when I worried about whether this donation was prudent, I "was reminded" that whatever hardship I might suffer in my declining years, my hardship would be nothing compared to the current sufferings in Gaza and in Sudan.)
(But if by any chance you want to share this email with anyone, please don't share the dollar amounts "God told me" to give, as that's embarrassing.) Now all I need to do is call my money person--and 'harden not my heart."---- Parishioner G

3
What struck me in the readings from yesterday was the call to listen to the Lord’s voice. I don’t take enough time to do that every day. I do try to pray each day that I will be at the center of His perfect will, but I need to carefully listen to His voice, for that guidance and direction. I know that His perfect will is where I will experience the greatest joy and peace. It is also where I will bear the most fruit. Thanks and God bless. --- Parishioner J

What might the Lord be calling you to? Are you listening? If you know what the Lord is asking, do you harden your heart?

Fr. Julius