PENTECOST XIII
August 22, 2021
“Healing Mind, Body and Spirit”
Somehow, not always intentionally, the idea for a devotional meditation shows up in an unexpected place. This time, the newspaper comics page not only gave me a reason to smile one morning, it had a little message I could use. A gentle, humorous take on life with an adolescent, the cartoon features a teenage boy, his parents and friends. As the son and his friend are pictured driving in the ratty old VW bus that Jeremy is so proud of, Hector says, “Why is the engine so loud?” Jeremy: “The muffler fell off.” Hector: “We should do something!” Jeremy: “I’m on it.” The last panel showed them still driving along, with black clouds of unmuffled exhaust spewing out behind them, both wearing headphones.
My reaction was to laugh at the boy’s version of being “on it”, which was to ignore/avoid the missing muffler, but then I realized that it’s a pretty universal way of dealing with problems, regardless of one’s stage in life. When we see a friend or neighbor on crutches, learn that they’ve had surgery, or were injured in an accident, we bring food, offer to mow grass or shovel snow, drive them to appointments, or help with whatever the need might be.
But what if that person is dealing with depression, chronic anxiety, or the complexity of bipolar disorder? The illness or injury isn’t as apparent as the physical, and we’re afraid an offer of support or assistance might be perceived as intrusive. We feel awkward and frustrated, and since we don’t know what to do, we do nothing, and the person is left feeling isolated and alone. Emotional health has been in the news recently, and several well-known young people have put a face on the need for understanding, compassion, and treatment. Speaking publicly about one’s personal struggles is far from easy, and as they share their stories, we have the opportunity to learn ways to care for one another.
“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to him all the sick, those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics, and he cured them.” (Matthew 4:23-24)
Jesus’ ministry focused on meeting the needs of people. The hungry were fed, the sick were cured, the lonely and sorrowing were welcomed into God’s family with open arms. No questions were asked, no proof of eligibility was required, and no paperwork was necessary! The nature of a person’s illness or condition made no difference. All who came in search of healing were restored to health, assured that their sins were forgiven.
There has always been, and will always be, illness, death, grief and pain in our world, but there is also the enduring promise of God’s love in Christ Jesus. He never leaves us, never abandons us, and keeps us close to him through his eternal gift of grace.
Grateful to be renewed and saved,
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers