Memorial of Saint Scholastica, Virgin
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Gospel of Mark 6:53-56
After making the crossing to the other side of the sea, Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him....Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.
People recognized Jesus everywhere he traveled. He is noticed and talked about. Word of his miracles swept across Judea. The sick arrived in masses. The people begged for just one healing touch of Jesus' tassel. What did Jesus think of all of this attention? What did he think of his new stardom? Clearly Jesus was a celebrity of his time. I'm sure if a Gennesaret Walk of Fame existed, Jesus' name would be sketched on a star-shaped stone recognizing his healing achievements.
Jesus may have been a celebrity in biblical times, but unfortunately he's not well acknowledged in main stream Hollywood today. Back in the 1950's huge classics like "Ben Hur" and the "The Ten Commandments" became mega hits. Stories from the bible interested Hollywood directors. Today, we have only a handful of "religious" themed films. Most are low budget by independent film makers. I find these films to be hidden gems. They may not be Hollywood blockbusters; however, they effectively spread the beauty of faith.
How can Jesus heal us in modern times? Obviously he's no longer physically here with us. It's not like we can get tickets to a concert at our local football stadium and see Jesus' healing in action. We can't wait in long lines in the back of the concert venue hoping to get a pic of Jesus from our smartphones. We can't video tape his miracles and then post them on YouTube. However, we can witness the Holy Spirit in action!
This Holy Spirit often tugs at our own tassels gently reminding us God is there. In fact, Our Lord thinks of each one of his children as stars on the heavenly walk of fame. He hopes we will grow in faith, hope, and love. He prays that we choose the narrow path to holiness. He provides us with the gift to choose between right and wrong. When we fall, God forgives us of our sins. He heals our spiritual sickness. Sometimes the best form of healing comes through the confessional.
God is here to help and to heal. He should be our #1 favorite celebrity! It takes tremendous faith to recognize his immense love for us. Love that heals.
-J.
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