Healing, now and ahead – August 1, 2025

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 69:1-23(24-30)31-38; PM Psalm 73
2 Samuel 5:1-12; Acts 17:1-15; Mark 7:24-37

This morning, I think about those in our midst who are stretched thin as they attend to the needs of the vulnerable, as they pray for restoration and cling to hope. Recently a parent shared that their child was exhibiting behaviors that indicate developmental delays. They were days away from meeting with a specialist to find out more information. They want this vibrant kid to be connected in community, going through the challenges and joys other children experience. Now they wait, uncertain for what is next. There is another family I know with a child who has special needs. Activities like walking, talking, and even tolerating heat are beyond what this cherished daughter’s body allows her to do. And yet, for years her parents sought answers to understand and support her.

In Mark’s gospel today, there are two healing stories. A Gentile woman approaches Jesus, begging him to heal her young daughter who is afflicted with a demon. A man who is hard of hearing and struggles to speak is presented to Jesus for healing; his friends beg for the Christ to lay a hand upon him. How many other avenues have these advocates sought for help and understanding? How many tears have they wept, grieving for and worrying about their loved ones? Maybe you think about your own life and experience in this regard; I sure do. In this gospel excerpt, each appeals to Jesus, offering their voice on behalf of the afflicted. “No” is a response each will bear no longer. For the Syrophoenician woman’s faithfulness and tenacity, Jesus heals the child without touching her. The unclean spirit is vanquished, and the girl is resting on the bed when the mother returns home. With the deaf man, we read of how Jesus heals him, opening his ears and loosening his tongue through touch and prayer.

Sitting with these stories of hopefulness and healing, I feel tension. I pray that God’s divine healing could miraculously restore the two children on my mind this morning, just as we read of Jesus healing others. The coming of Jesus into the world brought about the start of change – the reign of Christ as King. However, our work and struggle is not over. There is a tension of being in a state of “already and not yet”. There is this pull between what God has already accomplished through Jesus’ ministry, sacrifice, and resurrection, and what remains to be fulfilled in the future. We are waiting for the full realization of the Kingdom of God. And while we wait, our faith in God compels us to offer our hands, our hearts, and our prayers to support the vulnerable. Let us offer prayers for the spaces of hardship in our own lives and in solidarity with those around the world.

Always with God’s help,
Katherine+

Reflection and Challenge

Are you familiar with the Christian theological concept of “already and not yet”? Learn more! Take 10 minutes and watch this video of N.T. Wright exploring this topic. Reflect on his teaching; spend another ten minutes journaling. Then, invite a friend to watch and discuss together, listening for what work is yours to do in the Kingdom of God today.