The cure in today’s Gospel is not the most spectacular of Jesus’ miracles, certainly. At first glance, it seems rather un-spectacular: no conversation with demons, no mud in the eyes, no lifeless corpse or grieving mother. Just a public official asking Jesus to come and cure his little boy. And Jesus’ answer is also rather un-spectacular: “You may go; your son will live.” It is anti-climactic, almost dismissive.
The Gospel stories are like this sometimes – it requires some energy and attention on our part to see what’s really happening. Here, we have a royal official humbling himself (Roman courts were usually not full of particularly religious people) and risking some level of ridicule to travel 20 miles to ask Jesus to cure his son. We can imagine that there was at least a momentary internal struggle before this official decided to set out on his journey. Should he leave his son’s bedside for several days and take the chance? Would it be worth the trip? Would word get out and his well-groomed reputation be at risk? Would this rabbi even hear his request?
Ultimately, the official is driven to seek Jesus by his helplessness in this situation and his love for his son. He finds Jesus and submits his fear and hope to him, asking him for healing. Jesus does not need many words or dramatic actions to accomplish his mighty works; he is God, and his word IS action. So, he simply tells the official that his son will live. In that very moment, the son is healed.
The verse from this Gospel that should cause us to pause, to meditate, even to examine our consciences, is the one that comes immediately after Jesus’ words: “The man believed what Jesus said to him.” He did not demand proof or signs or wonders. He believed and then he left, even though he would not receive confirmation of his belief until the next day when his servants told him that the fever had left the boy just at the time Jesus had spoken.
This somewhat un-spectacular event has a spectacular ending: because of the faith and humility of the official, his son lives and the whole household comes to believe in Jesus.
Are we able to humble ourselves, recognizing our helplessness and dependence, and go to Jesus for all our needs? Do we believe the words of Jesus, without signs and wonders? Do we turn to him each day with our whole heart, in faith and trust? Are our spirits open to the surprises of God in our daily lives? Do we allow faith and love and hope in us to radiate to others around us so that they can also come to believe? This Lent, let us each examine our hearts and our attitudes, and let God shine through us to others!
Kathryn Mulderink, MA, is married to Robert, Station Manager for Holy Family Radio. Together they have seven children (including Deacon Rob and seminarian Luke ;-), and two grandchildren. She is a Secular Discalced Carmelite and has published five books and many articles. Over the last 25 years, she has worked as a teacher, headmistress, catechist, Pastoral Associate, and DRE. Currently, she serves the Church as a writer and voice talent for Catholic Radio, by publishing and speaking, and by collaborating with the diocesan Office of Catechesis, various parishes, and other ministries to lead others to encounter Christ and engage their faith. Her website is https://www.kathryntherese.com/.
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