Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
The words of Psalm 50 set the stage for today’s gospel miracle. “Call on me in the day of distress. I will free you and you shall honor me.”
The details are clear. This poor father was desperate for a cure, something to help his poor son. So, he brings him at last to Jesus.
There is an interesting exchange between the father and Jesus. The man describes the affliction of his son. Then he says, “If you can do anything… please help us.” Earlier in Mark’s gospel when the leper came to Jesus, he said, “if you wish, you can make me clean,” and Jesus quickly replied with, “I do will it, be clean.”
Here, Jesus again uses the situation to point out the importance of trust. Faith. He says – “If you can, everything is possible to one who has faith.” There was no doubt that Jesus could cure the boy. Jesus challenges the father with his reply. Do you have faith that I can do this? “I do believe, help my unbelief,” and Jesus cured the boy.
All of this reinforces a truth about our life with Jesus. The Lord invites us to turn to him in prayer—call on me, in the time of need … I will free you. Call on me in prayer whenever you are in need … I will free you. I do will it—be made clean, be made whole. Be healed.
Actually, every time we turn to the Lord in such moments of need, our faith is strengthened—even if that faith may feel weak, even if we doubt that the Lord will act and respond to our needs. For the Spirit of the Lord (the Spirit of Wisdom) has filled the whole world. All are united and made one in Christ.
What is it that we are seeking from the Lord Jesus today?
Reflection by Fr. Peter Ullrich, OSB
Posted in Daily Reflections, Lenten Resources