God’s Plan and Desire for You Is Life and Good Health

Readings: 1st: Wis 1, 13-15. 2, 23-24; Ps 29; 2nd: 2Cor 8, 7. 9, 13-15; Gos Mk 5: 21-43

 This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working at the Sanctuario del Espiritu Santo, en Dorado, Puerto Rico, del Internacional Grupo Espiritano De Puerto Rico – Republica Dominicana. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

On this thirteenth Sunday of the church’s ordinary time we celebrate the Lord who gives life. God created us to live and, it is his desire and intention that we prosper in health of body and mind. So, “death” is totally opposed to God the author of life. This was why Christ accepted death and poverty that we ourselves might live and be rich.

Today our first reading from the book of Wisdom reminds us of God’s good desire for us. This plan has not diminished in any way. He never gets tired of restoring us and will not stop. This was why he tells us that: “…I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future...” (Jer 29, 11). As a loving father, the plan of God for us remains supreme. This does not matter whether we are dead or alive. Also he tells us through John: “Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers” (3 Jn 1, 2). Yes, this is the desire of God for us. Hence, just as physical sickness and death is nothing but a physical corruption of the body, eternal life in Christ is the ultimate healing and restoration of the spiritual life that resides in our souls. This is simply achieved through faith in Christ.

Therefore, nothing changes this intention or plan of God for us. Even when we desert him, this plan for life, prosperity and good health remains concrete. This is due to the fact of the covenant that the Trinitarian God made in order to create humans in their image and likeness. Hence God’s plan for us remains unchanged: It is life not death, good health not sickness, peace not war, unity not division, love not hatred, and many more good things. All we need to do is to continue to say yes to these with our faith. It is because of this plan that Paul reminds us today in our second reading that: “…The Lord Jesus was rich, but he became poor for your sake, to make you rich out of his poverty.” Therefore, this plan constantly moves God to do everything possible to give us relief from our sickness, worries, weaknesses, and even to keep us safe and alive for the glory of his name. The scripture tells us that:  “He did not spare his own son, but gave him up for us all.”

Today’s Gospel presents us with two miracles of Jesus. These miracles are evidences of the wish and plan of God for us his people. They also demonstrate that while Christ desires that we be freed from all forms of captivities, he equally wishes that we demonstrate a strong faith in order to step into our miracles. In both cases, we see faith in action. The woman demonstrated her living faith with her active action. She waited for twelve years, and when her chance came, she took it in faith. She was not afraid or ashamed of the crowd. Her action and the reaction of Jesus, simply teach us that coming and touching Christ must be a very deliberate action motivated by a living faith. Also, Jairus demonstrated his faith on behalf of his daughter by persistently inviting Christ. Both Jairus and the woman never gave up, instead, they waited patiently until the plan of God was fulfilled for them.

Finally, we must learn first that, it is the plan of God for us to prosper both in body and soul, but we must be patient and walk into this plan in faith. Second we have a role to play in the plan of God towards others. This is why Paul tells us today: “You always have the most of everything…so we expect you to put the most into this work of mercy too.” So, while Christ seeks our welfare every day, we too must constantly seek the welfare of others. Let us praise the lord saying: “I will praise you, Lord, you have rescued me.”

Peace be with you!!

Maranatha!!!