Lost in transition
"I was asked by my formators to prepare the Sunday reflection. In the formation house, that was a regular practice. Each of us would be given a reading to reflect on and share with the others.
After sharing, the brothers will give an honest review, and comment on what you needed to have done better in your presentation. Like, we were training our eyes to see beyond the words.
I had shared my reflections before. I even looked forward to it, most times.
But this one was different.
The Gospel reading for that Sunday was the same as today’s (Matthew 10:8). Jesus sending out the Twelve. “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons.” That line sat in front of me for four days, and yet nothing. Not a single meaningful thought came to my heart.
I started to feel empty—like someone who had always known how to cook but suddenly forgets what ingredients to use. I even told myself, maybe this is how spiritual dryness begins...
Out of frustration, I did something unusual.
I went to the library and picked the original Greek text (Bible). Not because I’m some scholar, but because I needed to be sure of what was really said before the translators touched it. And maybe, I could catch something that got lost in transition.
It was then that the light began to shine.
The four phrases Jesus used were these:
1. Therapeuete tous asthenountas – Heal the sick.
But “asthenountas” doesn’t just mean physically ill. It refers to anything weak, feeble, or broken. So this command isn’t only about hospital beds. It’s also about strengthening tired souls, restoring broken confidence, helping someone who’s emotionally drained feel whole again.
2. Egeirete nekrous – Raise the dead.
But “nekrous” wasn’t just about corpses. It also spoke of things that are not functioning. A marriage that has stopped working. A dream that has died. A faith that has gone cold. “Raise the dead” means go and awaken what has fallen into lifelessness.
3. Katharizete leprous – Cleanse lepers.
The word “leprous” came from “lepros,” which means something considered filthy, rejected, untouchable. Jesus was saying: go and bring back dignity to those whom the society has thrown away. Wash off the shame. Don’t run from them—run toward them. (I'm sure you know how lepers were treated then)
4. Ekballate daimonia – Cast out demons.
And “daimonia” doesn’t always mean literal demons. It includes fears, lies, addictions, oppression, anything that chains a person from the inside. Jesus was saying: free people. Help them break what’s breaking them.
I remember sitting with all that and just being quiet. It was no longer just about giving a reflection for Sunday. It became personal.
I could see that these weren’t superpowers Jesus was handing out. They were responsibilities—human, spiritual, and practical. And they weren’t for perfect people. They were for those willing to go close. To listen. To stand with people when life starts malfunctioning.
That evening, I finally wrote my reflection. But more than that, something inside me came back to life too.'
(Anon - possibly written by a seminarian monk, priest or brother)
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