"Ever since the creation of the world," says St. Paul, "his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made"
No matter the mission, the preparation, nor the training, there is apprehension when faced with challenging situations which leave one unable to do it all. First responders and hospital staff more frequently lament their sadness at not being able to save all their patients. Teachers, taking seriously their charge to leave no child behind, grieve when an innocent falls through the cracks. Likely these sentiments reside in most service professionals, as the time is fixed, but the needs are ever expanding, calling them to do more, even as they call out for assistance.
St. Mark tells us that the mother-in-law of Simon was sick with a fever; Jesus saying nothing came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, free from her illness, and then she began to serve them. Evidently word of the healing spread fast, for by sundown the whole town was outside the door of the house seeking the balm of his goodness. That evening Jesus "cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons" many, but not all. Early the next morning, before the others and the town, could awaken, Jesus went off by himself to pray. Simon and his companions when they discovered Jesus' absence hunted for him. "When they found him, they said to him, "Everyone is searching for you." Jesus answered, "Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do."
Jesus knew that the desires and needs were great where he was, but he was in the world to bring what all mankind needed. He knew that he could bring healing for many in the time allotted for his earthly presence, but his message would bring life to all. Then and now, Jesus' work is largely hidden. He hears in secret. He works in secret. As Isaiah says "His understanding is unsearchable." Then, now, and until the close of the age His message of G_d will be with us, we who are weak, frail, or struggle against a raging sea. Jesus calls to us, "I won't let go!" With Jesus' message within our hearts, no matter the trials we face, by the word and hand of Jesus, we can rise. we can respond with confidence, "I know you will never forsake us."
"He gives power to the faint,
and strengthens the powerless.
Even youths will faint and be weary,
and the young will fall exhausted;
but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint."
Pax,
jbt
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