16 May 2016
Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Easter is over and we’re back to the long, evolving period that ends at Advent. Vestments are green, the color of hope and growth. In the background of Jesus’ miracle in today’s Gospel, death, birth, growth and hope softly, subtly play.
The unfolding scenes testify to a beginning and finish, of an advent of even greater things to come; of hope.
Before the boy was healed he was considered dead. Before we enter Christ’s life we must participate in his death. It is what is acted out for us at baptism. We are buried with Christ to be opened up to the grace that promises life, development, growth. Baptism reenacts death, life and growth for a Christian.
At the beginning of the scene Jesus laments the lack of faith on the part of his followers. His reproach is one that can be repeated today in this, our so-called the age of the New Evangelization. What can I do about it? Well, here is something for a starter:
In the miracle the boy’s father is the iconic believer. He trusts completely in Jesus while at the same time recognizing his own helplessness and begs for strength. Can I identify with the father? This I’ll pray about today.