the visitation of jesus
"God has visited His people." —Luke 7:16
In yesterday's Gospel reading, Jesus healed by responding to the centurion's request made in faith. In today's Gospel, Jesus takes the initiative to heal. No one requested healing from Him; no one seemed aware of His presence until He stepped forward to raise the dead man (Lk 7:12ff). It is Jesus' nature to heal, to take initiative, to visit His people.
The people of Naim spoke rightly when they said that "God has visited His people" (Lk 7:16). The Son of God came down from heaven to earth to bless, heal, deliver, and make disciples of His people. It was also to destroy the devil's works and deliver His helpless people that Jesus visited us (see 1 Jn 3:8).
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit love us too much to leave us on our own. So the Father sent His only Son into the world so that we might believe in Him and have salvation (Jn 3:16). He visits for mercy and salvation, not for condemnation (Jn 3:17; Lk 7:16; cf Rm 8:1).
The Lord still visits His people today — in the Eucharist, the Sacraments of the Church, the Sacred Scriptures, and in His Body, the Church. Yet it is possible to miss His visitation, and this causes Jesus to weep (Lk 19:41-44). Therefore, each day roll out the welcome mat for Jesus. Open wide your hearts to Him (2 Cor 6:13).
Prayer: Jesus, You constantly knock on the door of my life (Rv 3:20). I welcome You into my heart.
Promise: "Of kindness and judgment I will sing; to You, O Lord, I will sing praise." —Ps 101:1
Praise: St. Robert Bellarmine, a Jesuit, developed the theological basis for the Catholic Reformation. He also prepared two catechisms which have had great influence in the Church.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 15, 2019
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