A few years ago my beloved aunt was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. While our family earnestly hoped and prayed for a miracle, my aunt came to peacefully accept whatever God's will would be for her. This past summer, we said our goodbyes as we watched her leave this life to go on to the next. In the end, healing looked different than what my family imagined or wanted.
I am struck by the leper in today's Gospel, particularly, the word used to describe his interaction with Jesus. This leper pleads with Jesus, implores the Son of God from the depths of his being.
It is interesting to me that although the leper is imploring Jesus, he is not making demands. He is not telling God what He had better do or making empty threats.
Jesus is God and can do anything.
But we cannot force God to do what we want. The leper pours out his heart before Jesus, leaving all there for Him to deal with. He has no agenda with Jesus.
I want to be more like this leper when I approach my God.
I want to approach Jesus with the same boldness and faith this leper approached Him, regardless of things turning out the way I want or not.
Sometimes healing looks different than we imagine. We pray for emotional or spiritual or physical healing, and it does not turn out the way we imagine. Perhaps we feel frustrated, thinking God is playing hide-and-seek with our heartfelt petitions. We may wonder or wrestle with why sometimes our loved ones experience healing, while for others it looks very different than what we hoped for. I know I have felt that way.
Approach Jesus in boldness, asking for those deep prayers of your heart. No matter what happens, trust that He is working in the midst of it all.
Jesus is God and can do anything. // @amoderngraceClick to tweet
Pray the litany of trust with us today, sister.
Patty Breen is a full-time lay minister who finds joy in running, strong cups of coffee, and all things Ignatian spirituality. A Midwestern gal from the mitten state, she is constantly learning to find grace in all things. She is passionate about ministry, writing, a great lipstick color, and smiling is her favorite. Find out more about her here.
Walk With Us this Advent
Get Your Prayerful Planner
