Dcn Anne Strong

My dear brothers and sisters,

The readings today speak of warnings and reassurance. Jesus is preparing for his departure and like any good shepherd (father, mother) he is imparting wisdom on how his disciples should live without him. In the first reading Jesus shares that we should not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. In the second reading Jesus warn us about temptation: “one can only be tempted by one’s own desire.” In the Gospel we are being warned to be careful not to lose ourselves saying “what does it profit us if we gain the whole world but forfeit ourselves?”

OK. We have been warned and now for the reassurance: the connection between Jesus and the Father and us is as intimate as the relationship in the Trinity. Modern medicine backs this up with finally acknowledging the relationship of oneness in our bodies. I am reading a book by Dr Gabor Mate, The Myth of Normal. Dr Mate warns his peers that it is impossible to accomplish their great task of healing without inquiring into the beliefs of their patients and their social lives. This will point out the hindrances that impede normal social functioning. Psychoneuroimmunology maps the myriad of pathways of the mind-body unity; connecting emotions, our nervous systems and immune system…they are all one.

Scientists and Jesus both testify to unity—its strength and cohesiveness. They are calling us to recognize and live in union of our body, mind and spirit and with Christ’s body.

God is the source of our lives and the end of our lives. We are given wisdom on how to live, The Way, we were also given free will, the choice is ours. A saying just popped into mind “if it is to be it is up to me.” Do we eat to live or live to eat?

May this week offer the peace which only God can give. I invite you to ponder this question and I will offer a reassurance for your journey: God is with you as you make sense of this question and all questions which are in our lives today.

Your Deacon in Christ,

—Anne+