Gospel: Matthew 8: 1-4
In today's Gospel portion we find Jesus giving a familiar instruction to one whom he healed: don't tell anyone about it. Just give the required thanksgiving to God and that is enough. The learned and clever will tell us this is the Messianic Secret, a theological device related to Jesus' identity and divinity. The reality is that Jesus is giving us a spiritual lesson on humility and gratitude.
The message Jesus gives us is not one we are apt to accept in our age of self-promotion and showboating. Whenever we have some healing or miracle, we immediately post it on social media; we "testify" about it to the church: then, the cottage industry evangelists pick it up for syndication. Meanwhile, we practice our touchdown dance for the frenzy to come.
We will say all this is for the Lord, for advancing the kingdom. But it's not. It's all about us - our brand and our kingdom. Jesus knows that, which is why he offers this lesson time and again throughout the Gospels. The way of Jesus is a humble way, one of gratitude for mercy received, one of mercy extended outward once received. It is the way of the lowest seat at table, the way of the servant, the way of the Cross.
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