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One of the worst parts about being sick is the sense of loneliness or isolation that sets in.
Despite the care of family, friends, and nurses, our world becomes increasingly small –confined to our own room, our own bed, and our own thoughts.
No one can walk a mile in our shoes.
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Such is the case of the man in today’s Gospel.
He’s deathly ill, confined to his bed and his thoughts, which is why the centurion calls upon Jesus to heal him.
But Jesus not only brings this man physical healing; he also frees him from his social isolation.
Perhaps there’s a word in that for us.
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In the midst of this holiday season, we should consider two things:
Is there anything that isolates me from others?
Maybe our temper has gotten out of control, we’ve lost our patience, have clung to hurt feelings, or have fallen into an unhealthy habit.
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Conversely, is there anyone around me who may be feeling isolated?
Perhaps it’s an aging parent or grandparent, a friend who recently lost a spouse, or a homebound neighbor.
How can we reach them?
***
Just as Jesus heals this centurion’s servant, empowering him to rejoin the community, so we must work for greater unity and peace during this holiday season.
“For where two or three are gathered in my name,” Jesus says, “I am there in the midst of them.”