Today’s Thoughts: The first reading for today takes us to the end of Solomon’s reign as king. He has been unfaithful and now he and his line will pay the price. Israel as a nation will find itself divided. It’s glory days at least for the moment are over. The sinfulness of their king now affects all.
In the Gospel we encounter the beautiful story of Jesus healing the man who could not hear and had a speech impediment. Jesus heals the man because the people have faith in Jesus’ healing powers and bring their friend to Jesus. Jesus’ compassionate act of healing so astonished the community, even though he asks them to say nothing, they cannot stop talking about it. They proclaimed the Good News that Jesus “does all things well.” There is such a contrast to these two stories. On the one hand Solomon placed his faith in other gods. In his old age he turns away from God who has given him wisdom, wealth, and power. He has everything. There is nothing he lacks; yet through sin he loses everything. I guess you might say he didn’t have everything. He didn’t have faith! He didn’t remain faithful and trust God. He didn’t do all things well. In the Gospel story a community has faith in Jesus and their friend is healed. This story tells us a lot about Jesus and his journey to Calvary. Because of Solomon lack of faith, because of his sin, struggle, shame and death become part of Israel’s journey once again in life. But as our faith story tells us – “God so love the world that he gave us his only Son that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) We might say as we begin our day’s journey that faith is always the key. Have a great Friday everyone.
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Fr. Paul R. Fagan, C.P. "Preacher on the Run"Just a few thoughts to help you on your journey through life...let me know from time to time what you think... Archives
May 2023
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