The scripture readings this weekend are packed with meaning and significance. We are reminded that God’s presence is not seen in the removal of stress, of problems, even of suffering from human life, but in the fact that in spite of all that, there is still the possibility of great goodness, great accomplishments, great growth and the satisfaction, the fulfilment that such brings.

It is intriguing that in the miracle stories in the Gospels how Christ himself seems to downplay the significance of his healing. So often healing is followed by Christ telling the one who was cured not to say anything about it. Even more emphatically, in today’s Gospel it says that Christ took the man off by himself, away from the crowd before he cured him.

It would have been simple for Christ to have used his powers to rid the world of suffering and evil simply with a word. But to have done that would have been false to the Father’s design for the   salvation of the world, salvation not through power, but through choice, conversion of mind and heart. The real significance of the miracle stories is grasped when they are seen not so much as sweeping proof of the divine power, but rather personal acts of goodness, simply an instance of a human being using whatever resource he has at his disposal, to be of help to another. That is the Father’s plan for salvation.

And so, God’s attitude must be ours. The world can know that we are Christian only by our love. Today those who are rich in material things but poor in everything else show this material wealth by the same kind of ostentation as in James’ day. What indeed, is the real poverty level? Could it be that it should be measured by spiritual as well as material standards?

Let’s become aware of spiritual poverty as well as material poverty in all people. Including ourselves.

So, the only thing we really need to fear is the fact that we might fail to answer our call to growth in personal goodness. There is a great deal that each of us can do about the hungry, anxious, lonesome individuals that lives right next door to us, perhaps in our families, perhaps just a few feet away from us right now. And we will do it. We will miss some opportunities, surely, but we won’t miss them all. We don’t ever really need to fear our own failure. Isaiah’s word’s are true, be strong, don’t be afraid. God is love.

Fr Andrew