Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Romeo Bacalso SVD
Friday 24th Week in Ordinary Time
A friend once showed an artist a costly handkerchief stained with a large blot of ink. “Nothing can be done with it now,” he said. “It is absolutely worthless.”
The artist made no reply but took the handkerchief away with him. After some time, he returned it to his friend, who could scarcely recognize it. With remarkable skill, the artist had transformed the ink stain into a beautiful design. What had seemed ruined and worthless had become even more valuable than before.
This story beautifully illustrates the message of today’s Gospel. We hear about the women who accompanied Jesus as He journeyed from town to town, “proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God” (Luke 8:1). Among them were “Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, Susanna, and many others” (Luke 8:2-3). These women had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities. Their encounter with Jesus transformed their lives. They moved from darkness into light and became devoted disciples, supporting His ministry with their time, talents, and resources.
Their lives teach us that a blotted life is not necessarily a useless life. No matter how much sin, failure, or brokenness has marred a person’s past, Christ can transform it into something beautiful. As St. Paul declares: “Whoever is in Christ is a new creation; the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
What is particularly striking is that these women did not merely receive healing; they responded to it. Their gratitude was expressed through concrete actions. Their commitment to Jesus became the visible sign of their inner transformation. Thus, their lives bore witness to the power of God’s mercy.
The same is true for us. Along our life’s journey, have we not experienced moments when we trusted God, sought His forgiveness, and discovered anew the path we were meant to follow? Have there not been times when His grace lifted us from discouragement, weakness, or sin?
The Gospel therefore presents both a consolation and a challenge. The consolation is that no life is beyond redemption. The challenge is to bring before the Lord the “evil spirits and infirmities” that still burden us: our fears, resentments, addictions, selfishness, pride, and lack of faith. Jesus desires to heal the whole person.
Like the women in today’s Gospel, we are invited not merely to receive His healing but also to follow Him faithfully. For the true sign of healing is discipleship.
As the Psalmist proclaims: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are the Divine Artist who can transform the stains of sin and failure into a masterpiece of grace. Heal the wounds and weaknesses that burden my life. Give me the courage to trust in Your mercy and the generosity to follow You wholeheartedly. May my life become a witness to the transforming power of Your love. Amen.
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