Reflections

Monday, October 26, 2015

This daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now, ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath [sic] day from her bondage.
(Luke 13:16)

Eighteen years in human terms is a long time. An infant comes of age. Young people raise families. We move from one house to another, watch our grandchildren grow while we age. We retire, mourn those who precede us into eternal life and prepare for our own death.

The woman you healed, Lord, suffered that long. When you saw her, you took pity on her and cured her. She did not cry out as Bartimaeus had; perhaps she didn’t notice you. She was a daughter of Abraham, worshiping in the synagogue. You reached out to her when and where you found her.

My Jesus, through the faith that you give me, I, too, am a daughter of Abraham. You heal me daily. Thirty-three years ago, I found out I have a chronic disease, and yet you continue to use my circumstances to teach me and draw me closer to you. Through your agony, you make pain meaningful. When our bodies limit us, you widen the expanse of our souls. You show us how to serve, not in spite of our infirmities, but through them.

I thought I knew how to pray before, but now you allow me to be engulfed in your love. I am bound to you; hence I am free. Please let me thank and praise you always.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked *

Time limit is exhausted. Please reload CAPTCHA.