Healing the Body

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate the Wisdom and Healing of our spiritual tradition and act as resources for guidance, counsel and love.

Healing Presence

The Reading from the Book of Wisdom is an Exhortation to Seek Wisdom.

* [6:1–21] The first part of the book closes with an exhortation comparable to 1:1–15, and it leads into “Solomon’s” personal comments on wisdom in chaps. 7–9.

* [6:1] Kings…magistrates: note the inclusion with v. 21 (“kings”). The address to earthly powers is in accord with the opening (1:1), but the true audience remains the Jewish community.

* [6:4] Law: that of Moses; cf. 2:12; 6:10.

* [6:10] Response: a suitable plea before the great Judge. Cf. Prv 22:21; Jb 31:14; Hb 2:1; Sir 8:9. (Wisdom, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 82 is a psalm of Asaph for universal justice.

* [Psalm 82] As in Ps 58, the pagan gods are seen as subordinate divine beings to whom Israel’s God had delegated oversight of the foreign countries in the beginning (Dt 32:8–9). Now God arises in the heavenly assembly (Ps 82:1) to rebuke the unjust “gods” (Ps 82:2–4), who are stripped of divine status and reduced in rank to mortals (Ps 82:5–7). They are accused of misruling the earth by not upholding the poor. A short prayer for universal justice concludes the Psalm (Ps 82:8). (Psalms, PSALM 82|USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke presents Jesus Cleansing of Ten Lepers. 

* [17:11–19] This incident recounting the thankfulness of the cleansed Samaritan leper is narrated only in Luke’s gospel and provides an instance of Jesus holding up a non-Jew (Lk 17:18) as an example to his Jewish contemporaries (cf. Lk 10:33 where a similar purpose is achieved in the story of the good Samaritan). Moreover, it is the faith in Jesus manifested by the foreigner that has brought him salvation (Lk 17:19; cf. the similar relationship between faith and salvation in Lk 7:50; 8:48, 50).

* [17:11] Through Samaria and Galilee: or, “between Samaria and Galilee.”

* [17:14] See note on Lk 5:14. (Luke, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB, n.d.)

Steve Scholer comments on the responsibility that comes with a crown noting that

St. Ignatius tackled this issue almost 500 years ago and gave us a roadmap to lightening the weight of the crown.

The key to leading is in understanding our own strengths and weaknesses. That knowledge and deeper understanding come through daily reflection – looking for God’s presence in our lives and asking for the help of the Spirit to guide our interactions.

Ignatius also stressed that leaders were those who engaged others with dignity, a positive attitude and an open heart, ready to love and accept. He charged the Society to govern using “all the love and modesty and charity possible.” Ignatius knew that fear was not how one leads, but rather, by being mutually supportive and creating positive environments fueled by acceptance and affection. 

Like it or not, we are all leaders who impact those around us. As we go about our busy lives, we need to stop frequently and reflect on the impact of our words and actions or inactions. We may not lead on the grand scale of a pope, president or premier, but we are equally as powerful to those who look to us for guidance, counsel and love. (Scholer, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Cleansing of the ten lepers,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"Why did [Jesus] not say, 'I will, be cleansed,' as he did in the case of another leper (Luke 5:13), instead of commanding them to show themselves to the priests? It was because the law gave directions to this effect to those who were delivered from leprosy (Leviticus 14:2). It commanded them to show themselves to the priests and to offer a sacrifice for their cleansing. He commanded them to go as being already healed so that they might bear witness to the priests, the rulers of the Jews and always envious of his glory. They testified that wonderfully and beyond their hope, they had been delivered from their misfortune by Christ's willing that they should be healed. He did not heal them first but sent them to the priests, because the priests knew the marks of leprosy and of its healing." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILIES 113-16) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 17:11-19 comments that today’s familiar Gospel story of Jesus healing ten people with leprosy reveals a pattern in the way he relates to anyone seeking healing from him. It’s a back-and-forth pattern that has persisted for ages and is just as relevant to us today.

What need is weighing on your heart; where do you need healing? Call out to Jesus! He hears you. If you think he’s guiding you in a certain direction, do your best to obey him. Know that he is working in your life as you trust him. And when you perceive him beginning to heal you, turn to him with gratitude. Don’t let anything get in the way. Simply open your heart in thanksgiving and receive the gifts he wants to give you.

“Jesus, thank you for hearing me, healing me, and saving me!” (Meditation on Luke 17:11-19, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes the Wisdom reading presents Middle East wisdom that someone about to rule should learn the way of God and protect the rights of the poor. As declared by Spiderman, “great power demands great responsibility”. Leaders are judged according to what they can do. Jesus heals ten and sends them to authority to follow Jewish law. In Luke, good Jews and Gentiles will follow Jesus. Samaritans, half Jews, accepted the Torah and worshiped outside Jerusalem.The hero is a foreigner. Friar Jude comments that research In shopping malls by opening doors for people reveals only one in fifty responds with thanks. We are urged to be thankful for so many ways in which we are blessed and consider if a foreigner is an example to follow in virtue.

Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses our call to deny ourselves and take up our cross, specifically focusing on God’s call to renounce all that is ours and trust in him. He also highlights the story of Mary and Martha and encourages us not to allow the cares of life to choke the life of God out of our lives as Martha allowed her troubles and anxieties to do. Today’s readings are from Luke 9-10 and Proverbs 26:4-6.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, writes of the sacramental nature of bread and wine in the Eucharist. A true believer is eating what he or she is afraid to see and afraid to accept: The universe is the Body of God, both in its essence and in its suffering.

The Eucharist is an encounter of the heart when we recognize Christ’s Presence through our own offered presence. In the Eucharist, we move beyond mere words or rational thought and go to that place where we don’t talk about the Mystery anymore; we begin to chew on it. Jesus did not say, “Think about this” or “Stare at this” or even “Worship this.” Instead, he said, “Eat this!” 

We must move our knowing to the bodily, cellular, participative, and thus unitive level. We must keep eating and drinking the Mystery, until one day it dawns on us, in an undefended moment, “My God, I really am what I eat! I also am the Body of Christ.” Then we can henceforth trust and allow what has been true since the first moment of our existence. The Eucharist should jolt us into awareness that we have dignity and power flowing through us in our bare and naked existence—and everybody else does too, even though most do not know it. A body awareness of this sort is enough to steer and empower our entire faith life. 

This is why I must hold to the orthodox belief that there is Real Presence in the bread and wine. For me, if we sacrifice Reality in the basic and universal elements, we end up sacrificing the same Reality in ourselves.  (Rohr, n.d.)

We implore the Spirit to empower us to accept our leadership role of participation in the Body of Christ as agents of healing and unity in our environment.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 12, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/17?11 

Meditation on Luke 17:11-19. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved November 12, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/11/12/1428150/ 

Psalms, PSALM 82|USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved November 12, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/82?3 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Sacrament of the Eucharist. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 12, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-sacrament-of-the-eucharist/ 

Scholer, S. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton On Line Ministries. Retrieved November 12, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-november-13-2019 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). He Fell at Jesus' Feet Giving Thanks. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 12, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Wisdom, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 12, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/wisdom/6?1 

Presence in Ministry

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to seek the direction of the Spirit as we share the Love of Christ according to His Will and not ours.

Come eat with us and talk

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents Paul’s Farewell Speech at Miletus.

* [20:16–35] Apparently aware of difficulties at Ephesus and neighboring areas, Paul calls the presbyters together at Miletus, about thirty miles from Ephesus. He reminds them of his dedication to the gospel (Acts 20:18–21), speaks of what he is about to suffer for the gospel (Acts 20:22–27), and admonishes them to guard the community against false prophets, sure to arise upon his departure (Acts 20:28–31). He concludes by citing a saying of Jesus (Acts 20:35) not recorded in the gospel tradition. Luke presents this farewell to the Ephesian presbyters as Paul’s last will and testament. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 20, n.d.)

Psalm 68 accompanied the early autumn Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkoth).

* [Psalm 68] The Psalm is extremely difficult because the Hebrew text is badly preserved and the ceremony that it describes is uncertain. The translation assumes the Psalm accompanied the early autumn Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkoth), which included a procession of the tribes (Ps 68:25–28). Israel was being oppressed by a foreign power, perhaps Egypt (Ps 68:31–32)—unless Egypt stands for any oppressor. The Psalm may have been composed from segments of ancient poems, which would explain why the transitions are implied rather than explicitly stated. (Psalms, PSALM 68 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John presents the Climax of the last discourse.

* [17:1–26] Climax of the last discourse(s). Since the sixteenth century, this chapter has been called the “high priestly prayer” of Jesus. He speaks as intercessor, with words addressed directly to the Father and not to the disciples, who supposedly only overhear. Yet the prayer is one of petition, for immediate (Jn 17:6–19) and future (Jn 17:20–21) disciples. Many phrases reminiscent of the Lord’s Prayer occur. Although still in the world (Jn 17:13), Jesus looks on his earthly ministry as a thing of the past (Jn 17:4, 12). Whereas Jesus has up to this time stated that the disciples could follow him (Jn 13:33, 36), now he wishes them to be with him in union with the Father (Jn 17:12–14). (John, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB, n.d.)

Suzanne Braddock presents the life of Charles Lwanga as a reflection of Jesus’ words in the Gospel for today. May his example of courage and faith and care for others inspire us all.

On June 3, 1886, at age 26, Charles Lwanga was brutally tortured and burned alive. Twenty young men and boys followed, saying the Lord’s Prayer aloud as they were killed. His feast day is celebrated widely in Uganda today.

In the Gospel for today, Jesus’ near ecstatic prayer to the Father in John 17:1-11a, summarizes their intense union  and Jesus’ desire for all who believe in him, realized in the witness of Charles Lwanga and his companions.

We are all invited to be martyrs - maybe not of blood but in belief. Let’s try to accept this invitation wholeheartedly, daily, in small ways or large. (Braddock, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes “Eternity will be ours when faith sees,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430. A.D.

"We are distanced from eternity to the extent that we are changeable. But eternal life is promised to us through the truth. Our faith, however, stands as far apart from the clear knowledge of the truth as mortality does from eternity. At the present we put faith in things done in time on our account, and by that faith itself we are cleansed. In this way, when we have come to sight, as truth follows faith, so eternity may follow on mortality. Our faith will become truth, then, when we have attained to that which is promised to us who believe. And that which is promised to us is eternal life. And the Truth - not that which shall come to be according to how our faith shall be, but that truth that always exists because eternity is in it - the Truth then has said, 'And this is life eternal, that they might know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.' When our faith sees and comes to be truth, then eternity shall possess our now changed mortality." (excerpt from ON THE TRINITY 4.18.24.34) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 20:17-27 comments that whether it’s raising a family, leading a Bible study, or caring for people on the margins, the work never ends; there is always more to do. Eventually, though, God makes it clear that you have “finished [your] course” (Acts 20:24). The time has come for you to let go and trust that he will send someone else to complete it, just as Paul had to do.

Paul traveled tirelessly all over the world to share his faith, but the number of people he reached is small compared to the billions who profess faith in Christ today. It’s a legacy he could not have possibly foreseen. In the same way, you may not always see what fruit your labors have borne. You may even want to continue your work so that you can see more tangible fruit. But if God is calling you away from something that is close to your heart, be at peace. He is surely pleased with the work you have done. He will guide your next steps—and he will send other laborers into the harvest, just as he always has!

“Lord, help me to recognize when my work is done and to trust that others will take my place.” (Meditation on Acts 20:17-27, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler explains that Paul meeting his disciples in Miletus in Acts is due his desire to be in Jerusalem for Pentecost. Paul gives an apologia stating he is not responsible for their blood. He did everything he could and the Spirit is taking him to Jerusalem. At the end of the  Last Supper Discourse, Jesus promises “glory”, in John’s Gospel “Love”, and He proclaims the Father’s love. Friar Jude notes that Jesus calls on God to protect His disciples who will continue to share His Word.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Rachel Held Evans (1981–2019) who retells one of Jesus’ parables as an expansive invitation to come to God’s table. This is what God’s kingdom is like: a bunch of outcasts and oddballs gathered at a table, not because they are rich or worthy or good, but because they are hungry, because they said yes. And there’s always room for more. Evans shares the story of author Sara Miles, whose experience of Jesus through communion inspired her to start a food pantry.

I don’t know exactly how Jesus is present in the bread and wine, but I believe Jesus is present, so it seems counterintuitive to tell people they have to wait and meet him someplace else before they meet him at the table. If people are hungry, let them come and eat. If they are thirsty, let them come and drink. It’s not my table anyway. It’s not my denomination’s table or my church’s table. It’s Christ’s table. Christ sends out the invitations, and if he has to run through the streets gathering up the riffraff to fill up his house, then that’s exactly what he’ll do…. 

The gospel doesn’t need a coalition devoted to keeping the wrong people out. It needs a family of sinners, saved by grace, committed to tearing down the walls, throwing open the doors, and shouting, “Welcome! There’s bread and wine. Come eat with us and talk.” This isn’t a kingdom for the worthy; it’s a kingdom for the hungry. (Rohr, n.d.)

In our contemplation of Jesus' Way, we need to remain open to inspiration from the Spirit to action that challenges our preconceived notions of discipleship.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 20. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved June 3, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/20?17 

Braddock, S. (2025, June 2). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved June 3, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/060325.html 

John, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 3, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/17?1 

Meditation on Acts 20:17-27. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved June 3, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/06/03/1297307/ 

Psalms, PSALM 68 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 3, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/68?10 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Christ Is the Host. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved June 3, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/christ-is-the-host/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). This Is Eternal Life - to Know the Father the Only True God. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 3, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=jun3