Daily Gospel Reflection for December 2, 2020

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

The different healing narratives in the gospels show the flexibility in the ways Jesus demonstrates His responsiveness to our specific contexts and needs. Some of the stories have a focal person or a small number seeking healing. Today’s gospel is an example of healing the masses. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down. We see His humility and accessibility.

The location on the mountain implies effort required of the people desiring healing. They had to go up the mountain in order to access Him. This would have been easier or harder for individuals depending on the area of healing they needed, but in community, they must have worked together to help those in need to get to Jesus. Once arriving at Jesus, they were all cured but not in the same ways. Jesus was aware of the range of needs and responded accordingly. He tailors His healing to what we need, when and how we need it.

Going back down, the healed would not need the assistance of others, but I can imagine the communal excitement, awe, and gratitude welling up in their hearts. Friendships are a great asset in our journeys towards the Lord. This gospel provides a reminder of how we can support each other in order to scale the mountain and arrive at Jesus’ feet, giving encouragement, nurturing perseverance, and providing assistance along the way.

Jesus can heal in any way He wants, but the narratives of healing that the Gospel weaves together are purpose-filled and tailored to what we need to grow in holiness.

Ponder:

Who might the Lord be placing in your midst to walk alongside you towards His healing power?

Pray:

Jesus, thank You for example after example of Your healing power within the gospels, reminding us that You have a plan to heal us and provide for our needs.