Reflection on the many divisions and the
attempts at unity is a fruit of contemplation of the texts in the Roman CatholicLectionary today. The passage from the First Book of Kings tells of the
prophetic announcement to Jeroboam that he would rule over ten of the tribes of
Israel which would be separated from the Kingdom of Solomon. Scholars relate
the history of the decline of the Kingdom of Solomon because of his passing
from prosperity into decadence. The son of Solomon, Rehoboam, was unable to
receive advice from the elders and the people of the north and the Kingdom of
Israel was created separate from Judah. Friar Jude Winkler emphasizes the role
of our senses as gifts from God in his commentary on how Jesus Cures a Deaf Man
from the Gospel of Mark. We are influenced in our decisions and actions by what
we take into our consciousness through our senses. The auditory, text and
visual media which we allow to be received may be a time wasting exercise
keeping us from the service modeled by Jesus as suggested by Steve Scholer ofCreighton University, or the impact may be far more serious as Solomon and
eventually Jeroboam demonstrate as the pagan influences and practices corrupt
their lives and actions to serve well as leaders. Don Schwager notes that this
Gospel is concluded with the proclamation of how Jesus has done all things
well. The service which is focused on the other as shown by Jesus taking the
man aside and using spittle, which Friar Jude notes was understood to be the
mechanism whereby healers would transfer healing, is the direction for us who
are easily distracted by our senses to do things our way and for our gratification.
The memorial celebrated today of St. Cyril and St. Methodius offers us a
journal of lives spend to be attentive to the particular needs of the Moravianpeople while also struggling to fight schism between East and West in the
Church. All things well is an ideal that demands we choose both over either of
possible alternatives informed by the Spirit through healthy physical and
spiritual senses.
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