From today’s Scripture: “When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said, ‘Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.’” — Luke 13:12

Perhaps it is universally human to want to hide our weaknesses and failures. Our tradition does name pride as the master sin. And the desire to appear strong and competent in the eyes of others certainly predominates in our can-do American ethos.

But, of course, there’s no hiding our frailties from God. That’s great news, because God wants to shower us with grace and healing — as Jesus does for the woman in today’s Gospel. We don’t know whether the woman’s suffering has psychological, spiritual, or physical roots, or all three. We do know that she encounters Jesus and “at once stood up straight and glorified God.” I have felt like that at times after leaving the confessional.

Is it time to meet Jesus in the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

Let us pray: God, my Savior, you know me better than I know myself. Lead me to your healing.

Today’s author is Polly Duncan Collum, former parish lay missioner and now director of Glenmary’s Commission for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation.

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