We have seen strange things today – September 29

Today’s Readings:  AM Psalm 97, 99, [100]; PM Psalm 94, [95]; Hosea 4:1-10; Acts 21:1-14; Luke 5:12-26

Faith healers mystify me. As a teen, scanning for something to watch on TV, I would linger on the Christian channel TBN and watch the ministers talking to the camera. Jan Crouch, the woman with the big pinkish, greyish wigs, would weep as she talked about her love for Jesus. Benny Hinn would lay hands on people upon a stage of a crowded auditorium and those seeking healing would fall backwards, overcome in the moment. If viewers at home wanted their own healings to happen, or if they wanted to give so that God’s blessings would become more fruitful in their own lives, we could call the toll-free number scrolling across the bottom of the page. I wondered a couple of times what would happen if I called to ask for prayer, and what I would pray for. My mom would walk into the room and ask, “Why are you watching that stuff?” I would shrug and change the channel, but sometimes I would go back, just to keep watching how these interactions of charismatic Christians seeking healing would unfold. The people featured were so visibly moved by their worship experiences, and it was drastically different from my upbringing in the Episcopal church.

This morning, we read of Jesus healing those seeking restoration. Word of Jesus’ power spreads widely, for there were many ailments plaguing people. A paralyzed man is lowered through the roof, in order to present him for healing in front of Jesus. The scene unfurls here in a way that diverges from my recollection of TV evangelism. First, Jesus sees the faith of those helping the man. They truly believe that bringing this incapacitated man to see the healer is necessary, regardless of crowd or hurdle. Then, because of their faith, Jesus addresses the one upon the cot: “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” The experts of the law of Moses (scribes and Pharisees) in the gathering begin muttering that Jesus – there to heal with the power of the Lord – says this blasphemous statement, claiming God’s power of forgiveness for his own. (As a technical note, what Jesus says is not blasphemy. Blaspheming God’s name means cursing God’s name (Leviticus 24:15). Understanding of blasphemy expanded to include speaking sacrilegiously about God.)

Jesus names the tension at hand, asking those who question, “Which is easier: forgiving sins or healing someone who cannot walk?” The healer and rabbi then turns to the paralyzed man, commanding him to stand up, take his cot, and go home. And that is what he does – praising God the whole way. The crowd goes wild with their own shouts of joy for God’s power made manifest in this space. The scene closes with bystanders saying, “We have seen strange things today.”

Reflecting on this story, I find myself wondering, “Wait – what was the man seeking? What type of healing did he need? He didn’t talk about being addled by sin. Wasn’t his body unable to move?” People of various faiths – from ancient times and into present day – have attributed aspects of physical illness as side effects of sin or wrongdoing. I have felt nauseous and a deep pang in my gut when I know I have done something wrong, or overwhelmed with a headache when stress is bearing heavily upon me. Let me be clear: this is not an assertion that every physical ailment is directly tied to sin.

This story holds up for me today that sometimes those sins which weigh us down spiritually take a toll on the health of our bodies. I don’t know what burdens weigh upon you right now. What I do know is that Jesus is waiting for you. So, go to Jesus for healing, forgiveness, and hope. Cast all of your cares upon his loving arms. And if you cannot get there yourself, keep some good friends around you to help you along the way.  

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

When have you heard of or witnessed a miracle? How do sins and stressors weigh you down, and would it really take a miracle to bring you relief?

Daily Challenge

Spend some time reflecting on what sins are heavy upon your heart. Pray with specific intention the Confession, and ask that God forgive you – and then work to truly let that burden go. Need more help with this? Contact one of your priests for support or guidance.