R eflections

How can an event 2,000 years ago apply to me today?

It’s not by one’s imagination or a dream, but by “faith”. If you have faith the size of a muster seed, great things can be accomplished (Matthew 17:20). When you have faith, the past can have significant meaning.

Matthew 15:29-31 At that time: Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them. The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel.

Jesus on the Mountain: Jesus is the focal point of history and of all human aspirations. When he strides by the Sea of Galilee and scales up the mountain, and all humanity seeks him out. He doesn’t interrogate them about their past or condemn them for their sins. He simply gives to each what he or she needs: to the blind, sight; to the mute, the gift of speech; to the deaf, hearing. Imagine for a moment this poor mass of humanity sitting around listening to Jesus. Place yourself with them. Your turn comes, and suddenly it is as if the crowd disappears and you are alone with Jesus. He looks into your eyes with loving concern and asks what you are seeking––even though he already knows it. My Jesus, it is you that I seek. Heal me, and do not let any sin separate me from you today (Father John Doyle, LC).

Reflection: When we put ourselves amongst the crowd and seek Jesus’ healing, it may not be the physical healing we are seeking, but something more personal. Are we blinded by envy and hate? Have we hardened our hearts so much that we are deaf

by: John & Kathy Valastro

to the Holy Spirit calling us to be God’s children? Do we feel vulnerable and weak, maybe a little embarrassed with fear of judgment from others in spreading the word?

Whatever it may be, ask God to heal you, make you vibrant in your Christian belief and give you strength to go into the world and profess your faith in Him and proclaim his word to the world. This is the kind of healing that will set you free. Once you are free, you can accomplish anything. Don’t be afraid. Overcome your fear and put your trust in Jesus.

John and Kathy Valastro

Isle Cycle Studio brings you bikes we affectionately call “the girls”—Spinderella, Dolly, Becky, Thelma, Louise, and so on—and a dozen experienced and fun instructors. Bent on Healthy Living Wellness Center owner, Renae Bentley, is excited to bring indoor cycling classes to Galveston!