“Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
He went around all of Galilee,teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.
Thousands of Jews flocked to John the Baptist's baptism of forgiveness; and then to the Lord's healing message. After receiving his gift of the Holy Spirit and the commissioning of Pentecost, the disciples offered the same twin messages to the entire world. But today's Christian churches seem to have little interest in repentance or healing.
True, the Catholic church built many hospitals in the United States, and their names often recall their historic founding; and we frequently offer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. But the sick usually go to the doctor first, or the hospital; and rarely consider the possibility that their sickness may have begun with sin, or that their recovery may entail repentance, atonement, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
"The rising prevalence of lifestyle diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, obesity, and mental health disorders, poses a significant threat to global health."
Doctors and other health care people know that, of course, but often despair of persuading their clients to alter their lifestyle. And we've all seen the ironic video skit of smoking doctors telling their patients to stop smoking. And priests are as likely to smoke and drink too much alcohol as the rest of the population.
A heavy smoker once asked me to lead his renegade Third Order Franciscan fraternity. He knew, of course, that Saint Francis called his little fraternity, "Penitents from Assisi." But he saw no connection between penance and smoking cessation -- or, for that matter, the Constitutions approved by Popes Paul VI, John Paul II, and Francis. He liked to shepherd his small group of Catholics his way.
But what is the life of penance if it's not a healthy lifestyle? Penance, by anyone's description, must be a discipline. It's done in obedience to the Lord's very particular call to each of us, "Follow me!" It entails listening to his Spirit which discourages foolish behaviors; regulates our entertainment, conversations, and relationships; requires a practice of routine prayer; and innumerable moments each day when the Lord whispers, "Do this!" or "Say this!" or "Say nothing!" or "Stop now!" And listening is a particularly difficult discipline!
Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone!Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with your whole heart, and with your whole being, and with your whole strength.Take to heart these words which I command you today.Keep repeating them to your children. Recite them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6: 4-7
The Lord never said life or penance should be easy but he did assure us his Way is less burdensome -- meaning, healthier -- than the ways we choose.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.