As the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them.
—Luke 4:40
Throughout the gospels, people arrive with a variety of sufferings for Jesus to heal. No type of ailment or hurt is too little, too large, or too strange for him to tend. He encounters everyone personally—touching them, placing his hands upon them, flesh to flesh, and coming close to the ill, soul to soul. And he does so for each of them. He treats them not as impersonal objects but rather as people who matter, people not only in need of his attentiveness but also worthy of it. Did Jesus fear catching a disease? Did he flinch when he saw festering wounds or smelled the stench of the unbathed? Did he feel repelled by the harsh manifestation of an emotional or mental illness? Whatever stirred within Jesus, those emotions did not hinder his attitude and ability to alleviate people’s ill health and bring about greater wellness for those who sought it.
This Lent we attend to whatever produces suffering for us, whether this be our own incompleteness regarding spiritual growth or hurts resulting from physical, emotional, mental, relational, or social issues. There is no illness or personal struggle that cannot be brought to the One Who Heals. Let us approach with confidence and humble trust, asking to be touched by this transforming love.
Companion in My Suffering,
as I step into another Lenten season,
I bring to you what requires your graced touch.
You know what will further my well-being.
I open my mind and heart to you with confidence
that you will tend with care what troubles me.
Today: I reflect on the part of my life containing discontent.
This excerpt from Jesus, Companion in My Suffering: Reflections for the Lenten Journey is reprinted with permission of Ave Maria Press.
Joyce Rupp is well known for her work as a writer and spiritual midwife. She serves as a consultant for the Boundless Compassion program. Rupp is the author of numerous bestselling books, including Praying Our Goodbyes, Open the Door, Return to the Root, Jesus, Friend of My Soul, and Jesus, Companion in My Suffering.
