Normandt' meditations

167. The Doctor





Jesus declares:

“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” Matthew, chapter 9, verses 12 to 13



Ah well, it’s surprising! Jesus calls “sinners” to him. He Lo-o-o-o-ves sinners! Not because he encourages us to sin, but because he knows that our request for forgiveness will heal us and grant us peace of heart. His Love will be able to go through our life.



Jesus comes not for the ones who are well, but for the sick, for those who need the Doctor. To acknowledge that we are sinners, to recognize that we need Jesus, to recognize that we need the Doctor is already a step ahead.



The new American Bible, 2011-2014

Book: Watch with faith, Normand Thomas

168. Life and faith in Jesus





May we recognize that Jesus is Lord and saves us from evil and sin.

Jesus sends his disciples to learn at the mission school. He sends us there too. He tells us, “Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”



It’s reassuring. We are all called to him. Here and now, he asks us to be merciful. It’s difficult for us to become “righteous”, but it’s to become righteous that we are called to be. We are sinners and yet we are asked to offer to others what God offers us.



God’s justice is what he transmits to us through Love; joy, peace, mercy, hope, etc. Let’s offer them too. In this way, we will always be searching, standing, walking.



The school of life and faith in Jesus is just beginning. Let’s remain in the mission and stay awake to seek the Doctor. Here we’re on the road to follow Jesus and we want to enter salvation, freely.



The new American Bible, 2011-2014

Book: Watch with faith, Normand Thomas

169. The one we talk about





The Holy Spirit passes in hearts and between people. The Church is moving when its members become fervent. The Church is growing and the Holy Spirit is helping to multiply its members. John writes in his first letter:

“Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.” 1 John, chapter 3, verse 18



What seems most difficult in the mission is to mention what is needed at the appropriate time or for the appropriate activity, meeting. It is about being in the best disposition of ourselves and knowing the one we’re talking about, in truth. Are we really talking about God?



Even though sometimes the deeds and words are not always in accord with the Gospels, since we are not perfect, let’s continue to improve our relationship with people. And if we succeed, may we remember that we have done only what we could.



The new American Bible, 2011-2014

Book: The Fruit that lasts, Normand Thomas

170. Leave some space for others





“Behold, this too is vanity. Here is a man who has laboured with wisdom and knowledge and skill, and to another, who has not laboured over it, he must leave his property. This also is vanity and a great misfortune.



For what profit comes to a man from all the toil and anxiety of heart with which he has laboured under the sun?” Ecclesiastes, chapter 2, verses 1 and 21 to 22



We are invited to invest ourselves with balance. Some people try to achieve everything and they are so engaged in all kinds of activities that they don’t realize that they are harming their health … even sometimes the health of others.



What are our priorities?

Can we offer more of our services to the Church, for the world?

Do we carry out activities that will bring us closer to a relationship with Jesus and help others to know him?

Or are we just looking to put on a show, to look good, occupied?



It’s always easier to participate in the life of the Church than to leave the work to one or two people. It’s also necessary that those who work in the Church leave some space for others.



The new American Bible, 2011-2014

Book: The Fruit that lasts, Normand Thomas