PENTECOST XI
August 21, 2022
“Care and Compassion for All”
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and sickness among the people. . . . those who were afflicted with diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics, and he cured them. Matthew 4:12, 24b
Learning and reflecting on the life and ministry of Jesus, we are often drawn to the parables, the life lessons, and the promises and assurances in his teachings. The Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son illustrate the power of compassion and loving forgiveness regardless of the risk, the cost, or the broken trust. Beyond these stories, however, as we follow the ministry of Jesus, we find examples of living out the lessons of the parables.
Chapter 4 of the Gospel of Matthew provides an account of the earliest days of Jesus’ ministry, from his temptation in the wilderness, to calling his first disciples, and the time during which they traveled throughout Galilee, teaching, preaching, and healing. Word of these remarkable events traveled quickly throughout the region and huge crowds of people were following him, so he went to a mountain, sat down and began to teach what is now called The Sermon on the Mount. From the following three chapters in Matthew’s gospel, we learn the foundational principles of life in Christ, bringing us into relationship with our Father in heaven.
The suffering people who were brought to Jesus as he went about his healing ministry included diseases and pains, epilepsy, and paralysis, and are as familiar to us today as they were two thousand years ago. However, when speaking of mental or emotional problems, the usual description was that someone was possessed by demons. Mulling over this term for a bit, I realized that, rather than sounding negative or blaming, it expresses kindness toward the sick person. If they’re possessed by a demon, the real person still exists, but is not in control. Their condition is not because of their sinfulness, or punishment for their evil ways. It’s much kinder than considering the person to have become a demon, just as today we say an individual is not their illness.
A couple of weeks ago, as I read the morning paper, I noticed the obituary of a man who had grown up in Cedar Rapids, the son of a large family. He had graduated from high school and college, and led an interesting and what sounded like a fulfilling life. Reading on, intrigued at the long and detailed article that was really a biography, I learned that this beloved son, brother, and uncle had battled schizophrenia most of his life. His family had loved and supported him faithfully throughout his difficult life journey, and treasured him as one of their own.
Following in Jesus’ footsteps, we are called to share his message of love and compassion for all people, not just those considered perfect by worldly standards. We are all broken and damaged, and none can claim perfection, but we come to our Lord for healing and forgiveness, confident in his promises.
Grateful for the healing touch of God’s love,
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers