Have you ever driven Jesus away from your life? In what way? - Daily Reflections February 3,2014

THANKS BUT NO THANKS

 

The Gospel today tells of the healing of the Gerasene demoniac. Naturally, the man once possessed by Legion joyfully proclaimed what great things Jesus had done for him. All were amazed but sadly only a few followed Him.

       And then the unimaginable happened. Near the end of the Gospel passage, we read about the people begging Jesus to leave their district because of what He had done with the herd of swine. Instead of thanking Him for healing the poor demoniac, they sent Him away. What does this speak of us? We find ourselves awed at the works of Jesus, yet do not, as we ought, wander after Him. We become mere “expectators,” hence, wasting the opportunity to receive His grace. We shy away from or send Him away. But Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, knew better than to get offended.

       Instead, He got on His boat, crossed the other side of the river and there continued spreading His healing love. At some point, He knew He needed to go. After some time, too, we need to go. Even the best ones do — Jesus included. We are invited to spread our goodness, not only where we are welcomed and appreciated, but even where we are persecuted or told to go away. Remember that Jesus blesses those who are willing to sacrifice, as He showed in His ultimate sacrifice on the Cross.

       Significantly, we remember today Saint Blaise, whose holiness was manifested through many miracles. People came to him to find cures for their spirit and their body. Before he was shamelessly martyred for not renouncing his faith, he cured a helpless child choking to death due to a fish-bone. Hence today, in all parishes, our pastors cross candles over our throats for protection against injuries and illnesses as they invoke the intercession of and healing from Saint Blaise.

       We need not be healers like Jesus or Saint Blaise. We only need to bear witness to their goodness and become sharers of love and care to others, especially those in the margins of the society. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Have you ever driven Jesus away from your life? In what way?

 

Lord Jesus, may I welcome You each day, and embrace and share the grace You impart with other people.