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“Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources” (Luke 8:1-3)
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No two journeys of faith are the same.
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Just consider the journeys of those mentioned in today’s Gospel.
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There’s John, one of the Twelve, who never seemed to struggle with faith. He was the “beloved” disciple, who followed Jesus all the way to Calvary.
Maybe I’m like John, a life-long believer. Steadfast in faith, even in times of trial.
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Then there’s Peter. He saw the same things John did; Peter witnessed Jesus perform miracle after miracle.
But it never seemed to be enough. Peter doubted; he waivered in faith like a branch in the wind.
Maybe I’m more like Peter. I want to believe so badly, but struggle. One day I’m totally committed to the Lord. The next day I deny ever knowing him.
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Then there’s Mary Magdalene. Scripture tells us seven demons were driven out of her. Meaning, she was deeply wounded when she encountered Jesus.
But Jesus healed her and offered her a new beginning. Maybe that’s me. The Lord turned my life upside down, right side up like Mary Magdalene.
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No two journeys of faith are the same.
There are more than a dozen other people included in the Gospel today. Our faith journeys may be as different as theirs.
But we’re all destined for the same place. In order to help us make it home, the Lord meets us where we’re at, and invites us to take another step forward in faith.
What does that look like for me today?
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