We have to have a "bounce-back" mentality. That means when you get knocked down, you don't stay down. You get back up again. You have to know that every time adversity comes against you, it's a setup for a comeback!

Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Amos 7:10-17

Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11

M atthew 9:1-8 And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. (2) And behold, they brought to him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." (3) And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." (4) But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? (5) For which is easier, to say, `Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, `Rise and walk'? (6) But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" – he then said to the paralytic – “Rise, take up your bed  and go home.” (7) And he rose and went home. (8) When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

Meditation

I begin this reflection on an ecumenical note.  As I reflect on these Readings, I am concurrently reading the book, A Thousand Splendid Suns.  In that book, the characters are Muslim and I note the solace brought to them by words in the Koran and of their relationship with God.  As I read the Psalm, I am reminded of parallels, solace, and comfort across religions and spiritualities.

I am a registered nurse, and, like many health providers for the past 10 years in the U.S., nurses, and all health providers, emphasize Evidence-Based Research practice when planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care. Health science students are educated and socialized to be informed and knowledgeable of research studies, of critically analyzing research studies, and, to apply the best research practices for quality patient outcomes.  Gone are the days of implementing one’s preferred intervention, of doing things because of tradition, and of providing patient care based on anecdotal experiences. I note the parallel between myself in my professional life and the scribes in the Gospel in their spiritual lives, i.e., “show me the evidence.”  In some countries and cultures across time and space, some people rely on evidence for decision-making in many aspects of their lives. Some do not. One could hypothesize the scribes thought Jesus was blaspheming because they did not have the evidence.  The Gospel story tells us Jesus provided evidence so they could better understand.  What is your typical response in 2010?  Are you one of the scribes or one who believes without evidence?

I visualize the Gospel scene of today, July 1st, and I have unanswered questions. Visualize a town with a group of people gathered. One person is paralyzed and on a stretcher. What were the people’s behaviors that resulted in Jesus “seeing their faith?” Why did Christ say “…your sins are forgiven?” versus initially restoring his mobility? Were the people gathered demonstrating “their faith” for spiritual forgiveness or physical healing? In that culture at that time, how does this relate to the belief that one’s sins caused one’s illnesses? Fast forward to 2010. What would a 2010 scene look like?  How would Christ recognize people’s behavior and “seeing their faith?” 

In this Gospel scene, what do you see? Reflect on? What are the strengths and limitations of being a Christian who needs evidence to believe? What are the strengths and limitations of being a Christian who does not need evidence to believe?

Supplementary Reading

Setup for a Comeback

For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again –   Proverbs 24:16a  

L ife is full of things that try to push us down. We all face disappointments and setbacks. Maybe you got some bad news concerning your health, or maybe a relationship didn't work out. That was a setback. It's easy to get discouraged, lose your enthusiasm, or even be tempted to just settle where you are. But if we're going to see God's best, we have to have a "bounce-back" mentality. That means when you get knocked down, you don't stay down. You get back up again. You have to know that every time adversity comes against you, it's a setup for a comeback!

Remember, as a believer, the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives on the inside of you. There is no challenge too difficult, no obstacle too high, no sickness, no disappointment, no person, nothing that can keep you from your God-given destiny. If you stay in faith and keep a good attitude, you will rise again. God will turn those stumbling blocks into stepping stones, and you'll move forward into the victory He has in store for you!

Father in heaven, thank You for setting me up for success in everything I do. I choose to trust and rely on You knowing that Your plans are for my good. I know my best days are ahead of me and look ahead to the blessings You have in store for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.—Joel & Victoria Osteen

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GOD BLESS US ALL!

O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.