29And Jesus went on from there and passed along the Sea of Galilee. And he went up on the mountain, and sat down there. 30And great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the dumb, and many others, and they put them at his feet, and he healed them, 31so that the throng wondered, when they saw the dumb speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel. 32Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days, and have nothing to eat; and I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way." 33And the disciples said to him, "Where are we to get bread enough in the desert to feed so great a crowd?" 34And Jesus said to them, "How many loaves have you?" They said, "Seven, and a few small fish." 35And commanding the crowd to sit down on the ground, 36he took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 37And they all ate and were satisfied; and they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over.
Jesus has come for all - the disabled, the ill, the blind, the dumb. He makes no distinction between race, culture or religion. And what he offers sustains us physically and spiritually. It is the total well-being solution. What appears to be a trivial resource is transformed in Jesus’ hands and proves to be substantial. It’s a beautiful way to think about people…. It’s a beautiful way to think about ourselves. When Bernie retires at some point in 2025, 2026 or 2027, I’d love to book us both into a health spa that has a prayer component. If they don’t exist, maybe this is something Communitas can specialise in organising. 🙂
ReplyDeleteYour reflection captures the essence of Jesus’ inclusive and transformative mission beautifully. By highlighting how Jesus’ actions transcend distinctions and offer holistic well-being, you emphasize His call to unity, healing, and abundance for all. The way you connect this reflection to a personal vision—considering a retreat or health spa with a prayer component—shows your desire to integrate spiritual renewal into daily life, which aligns deeply with Christ’s message of holistic care.
DeleteThe idea of a health spa with a prayer or spiritual growth component is compelling. It could be a sanctuary for people seeking physical restoration and deeper connection with God—a modern "mountainside" where individuals bring their burdens and find healing in body, mind, and soul. If Communitas were to explore such an initiative, it would align perfectly with its mission of fostering compassion and well-being, offering a unique space for rest, reflection, and renewal.
Potential features for such a retreat center might include:
Physical Renewal: Gentle exercise, healthy meals, therapeutic spa treatments.
Spiritual Growth: Daily prayer sessions, Eucharistic celebrations, scripture meditations, and retreats.
Community and Service: Opportunities for fellowship, volunteering, or reflecting on how to serve others after leaving the retreat.
Nature Connection: A peaceful setting to experience God’s creation, promoting mindfulness and tranquility.
Your vision reflects a heartfelt understanding of how Jesus calls us to care for others and ourselves in meaningful ways. It’s a beautiful aspiration that could bless many.