St. Irenaeus Read:    2 Kgs 25: 1-12      Mt 8: 1-4  

DAILY PRAYER

“When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him.  And then a leper  approached, did him homage, and said, ‘Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.’  He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, ‘I will do it. Be made clean.’ His leprosy was cleansed immediately.”  (Mt 8:1-3)

Miraculous healings go against nature, but are not “permanent,” rather they are meant to enhance and encourage faith in the one who was healed, the witnesses and all those who hear the tale from then on.  Healings make others grow closer to God and to strengthen the Gospel message.

This is true of Jesus’ miracle of the Fish and Loaves.  He gave food to the hungry as a means of teaching them of God’s great power and their need to trust in Providence. 

This is not to say that God will not, in His mercy and goodness, grant healings today.  He very well might — if it is accord with His holy will.  It is not to say that He will not allow the great talents of doctors and scientists (knowledge proceeding from His Creating Hands) to lend their curative powers. 

If our Christian goal is to be with Him forever in life eternal, our immediate goal should always be the fullness of His Kingdom.

All our supplications and intentions should reflect this.

Reflection and commentary

Psalm 106:4 “Remember me, LORD, as you favor your people; come to me with your saving help.”

St. Irenaeus, d. 202; from Smyrna; disciple of Polycarp; for 25 years Bishop of Lyons; wrote against the Gnostics, especially in ‘Adversus haereses.’

OUR PRAYER CONTINUES