“Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us.”

“I see clearly that the thing the church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful ... I see the church as a field hospital after battle.” - Pope Francis | September 30, 2013, interview, America magazine

Gospel Text: (LK 4:38-44)

After Jesus left the synagogue, he entered the house of Simon.

Simon’s mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever,

and they interceded with him about her.

He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her.

She got up immediately and waited on them.

At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases

brought them to him.

He laid his hands on each of them and cured them.

And demons also came out from many, shouting, “You are the Son of God.”

But he rebuked them and did not allow them to speak

because they knew that he was the Christ.

At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place.

The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him,

they tried to prevent him from leaving them.

But he said to them, “To the other towns also

I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God,

because for this purpose I have been sent.”

And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

Healing.

Cure.  Restore.  Purify.  Renew.  Mend.  Remedy.  Repair.  Put right.  Rehabilitate.  Rejuvenate.  Reinvigorate.  Resuscitate.  Reconcile.  Treat.  Minister to.  Settle.  Patch up.  Put right.  Compose.  Appease.  Recuperate.  Pacify.  Soften.  Clean.  Cleanse.  Purge.  Recover.  Make well.

When I read through that list, I’m shocked at how many different ways we can look at what needs transformation.

How many times have we faced something which seemed hopeless?  How many times have we been impatient with God, or failed to understand his plan and timing?  I know I sure have… and a lot.  And yet, through everything we do and in the midst of every trial, there He is, walking with us on the road toward all that needs raising.

So seek out God.  Bring your brokenness to Jesus.  Cry out loudly.  Whatever it takes, whatever you need to do, do it.  God is there, waiting.  He’ll drop what he’s doing and will walk with you, because there’s enough of Him to go around for us all.  Sometimes we get what we hope for.  But, we may not get the answers immediately – only in God’s time.  We may not even get the particular salvation we’re after – only God’s plan. 

Even when it seems hopeless, it’s not too late.