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Friday, April 11, 2003
Lenten Weekday

First Reading:
Responsorial Psalm:
Gospel:

Jeremiah 20:10-13
Psalm 18:2-7
John 10:31-42

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother and his mother's sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalen. When Jesus therefore had seen his mother and the disciple standing whom he loved, he saith to his mother: Woman, behold thy son. After that, he saith to the disciple: Behold thy mother. And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own.

-- John xix. 25-27

The following is, as usual, from The Word Among Us:

A priest who was a professor at a Catholic university was very sick in bed one day, when a student who was also sick suddenly entered his room. Doubled over in pain, the student asked the priest to pray with him. Summoning the little strength he had, the priest placed his hands on the boy's head and said, "Jesus, heal him." Instantly, the student's pain disappeared. Still feeling miserable, the priest collapsed on his bed, amazed. It was a startling demonstration of the healing power of Jesus in our world—the same power by which Jesus performed the "Father's works" two thousand years ago (John 10:37).

Jesus told his hearers that even if they did not believe in him because of his words, they should believe in him because of works like these (John 10:38). Can you believe that Jesus wants his miraculous works to be revealed even today so that people might turn to him? What's more, can you accept the possibility that Jesus may want to demonstrate his works today through you? Yes, you! The Holy Spirit has given you gifts, and he wants you to use them in making Jesus present in this world.

Most of us have a tendency to feel inadequate when someone points out a possibility like this. Yet just as Jesus worked to heal a student through the weakness of a college president, so Jesus can work through your weaknesses to reveal his powerful works. Perhaps he will use you to heal people of their physical illnesses. Maybe he will use you to deliver people from bitterness, fears, or doubts. How will you know unless you accept his gifts? Jesus wants to use your hands, your voice, and your heart to reach out and heal the hurts of people today.

Why not take a few "baby steps" this week to reach out to someone you know who needs healing? Offer to pray with that person, and trust that the Lord will use you. You may see immediate results, and you may not. Jesus often touches people inwardly in ways we cannot detect. In one sense, it doesn't matter. Just tell Jesus that you're willing, and he will work through you!

"Jesus, help me to use the gifts that you have given me. I want to see your love heal many people so that they may come to believe in you."

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God bless.