The First Reading today begins, ‘the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God, is indeed, victor over the world, through the Spirit, water and Blood of Christ.’
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “The Word became flesh to be our model of holiness: ‘Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me.’ ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.’74 On the mountain of the Transfiguration, the Father commands: ‘Listen to him!’75 Jesus is the model for the Beatitudes and the norm of the new law: ‘Love one another as I have loved you.’76 This love implies an effective offering of oneself, after his example.”77(ccc 459)
It is through and because of God’s love, Jesus’ love, that the man with leprosy was healed in the Gospel. Love is the victor over the disease! This conviction is echoed in the reading from Isaiah in the morning office , “Turn to me and be safe, all you ends of the earth, for I am God; there is no other!” Love is the Victor of the world!
The Catechism goes on to say in ccc 872: “In virtue of their rebirth in Christ there exists among all the Christian faithful a true equality with regard to dignity and the activity whereby all cooperate in the building up of the Body of Christ in accord with each one’s own condition and function.” It is through the Holy Spirit, the water and Blood of Christ that healing has been shared with all humanity.
The Victor of the world is love, God’s love. Fr. Casey Cole, ofm offers this perspective:
“In the way we love one another, work for justice, and offer sacrifice—doing as Jesus did—we can actually make a difference in our world because it is in these moments that Christ dwells in us and the Holy Spirit is sent forth from us. What is it that we always pray? “Send down your Spirit and renew the face of the earth!” If we want to follow after Jesus, we must let go of our cynicism and bleak outlook on the world, and instead believe with all our hearts that Christ is in control of this mission. We must look beyond what is not yet redeemed and open our eyes to the overflowing torrent that is God’s love in our world, transforming and renewing the face of the earth. We must realize it is through us, those whom Jesus has called as his disciples, that this work is being accomplished.”
Listen to the song from Friz Love, Heal the World Jesus . My hope is that God’s love transforms our world this year through faith, prayer and that which is each of ours to do in His kingdom on earth. Shalom
Beth Price is part of the customer care team at Diocesan. She brings a unique depth of experience to the group due to her time spent in education, parish ministries, sales and the service industry over the last 25 yrs. She is a practicing spiritual director as well as a Secular Franciscan (OFS). Beth is quick to offer a laugh, a prayer or smile to all she comes in contact with. Reach her here bprice@diocesan.com.
Feature Image Credit: Tim Marshall, https://unsplash.com/photos/cAtzHUz7Z8g
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