Things have gotten out of hand. First, a disciple leads a hostile group to seize Jesus and take him away under force. Then another disciple pulls a sword and cuts off someone's ear.
In the previous 21 chapters of Luke's Gospel, nothing like this has ever happened. Something is wrong ... and it will only get worse.
But for just a moment, Jesus steps into the ugly fracas and, of all things, heals a member of the enemy group.
Jesus, the merciful healer, is back at it again. Much earlier in Luke's Gospel he taught: "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you." He meant it, and here he is doing it.
What is the lesson for us? At first it might seem predictable: We're supposed to go out and do the same to others.
But keep this in mind. Religion is more about God loving us and us loving God, or loving others. The first thing we have to catch is that God loves us, now, as we are. Before doing anything else, we need simply to let ourselves be on the receiving end of the goodness of the Lord.
Where in your life right now do you most need the gentle, healing touch of Jesus?
- Little Black Book, Diocese of Saginaw