25 September 2013
Wednesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
In today’s gospel, we hear some of the scriptural basis for Pope Francis’ depiction of the Church as a field hospital for those wounded in battle. The apostles go forth healing the sick and casting out demons. We can imagine the great expanse of the ancient world, beholden to pagan deities, waiting in anticipation for the message of liberation the apostles bore. Today those around us are no less beholden to frightful gods, perhaps more so since modern deities go unacknowledged. As a result, masses of people live in fear that the hedonism, narcissism, and violence of our surroundings truly has the final say. Therefore, we continue to go forward, freeing those held bound and dressing their wounds. It is the wounded, the one who has truly suffered the ill effects of our compromises and lies, who often is most able and willing to hear and receive the message Christ sends forth.