Fifth of Year B - Healing & Peace
February 2009
The mystery of Jesus of Nazareth - God made man - is not, and cannot be totally comprehended.
Jesus of Nazareth was different from every leader, every prophet, every person that ever lived.
He did not and cannot be fitted into any category.
He had no programme. There is nothing planned or organised about his ministry. He acts and speaks, in whatever situation he finds himself, in accordance with the will of God, as he recognises it here and now.
The will of God, the love of God is his total concern.
This love and concern claims him totally for others as it does for God.
He wants nothing for himself but everything for God and for others.
He did not come to be served but to serve.
He is not part of the establishment. He comes from humble origins.
The poor , the misfits, the outcasts he invites into his company and eats with them. But there is no sign of hatred or envy of the rich or exploiters with whom he also sits at table and invites to join his company.
His respect for, and treatment of women is unheard of for a man of his day.
He is not too proud to be supported by well off pious women.
He is full of concern in the face of everyday distress and suffering.
He is mover to pity for the sick and those troubled by evil spirits.
He cures the sick and expels evil spirits when it is brought to his attention.
Yet there is no systematic or planned programme to heal the sick or expel evil spirits.
He is not political in any accepted way. He is not a freedom fighter. He does not try to organise land reform. He does not agitate for better housing or health care or education.
For him the only true reform is for each individual to repent and follow the example of Jesus of Nazareth.
He is not a fanatic.
He is not pious in the average meaning of the word.
He teaches neither religious technique nor particular devotions.
He simply calls God his Father.
His deepest roots spring from communion with God his Father.
The final aim of everything he says and does is that we human beings should recognise the goodness of God and praise and thank him.