Gaze welcoming not judgmental

 

The Pope pointed out that the “most serious illness in life is a lack of love, and not being able to love.”

 

Useless searching for love

He then reflected on how we can find healing in this story of a nameless woman who represents us all.

She had spent lots of money on various ineffective treatments which only made her condition worse. The Pope lamented that we, too, seek useless remedies for our lack of love, throwing ourselves into vain searches for success and money, even looking online.

But, he added, the woman finally chose to seek direct, physical contact with Jesus.

“The Lord waits for us to encounter Him,” said the Pope, “to open our hearts to Him, for us, like the woman, to touch His garment in order to heal. Because, by growing in intimacy with Jesus, we are healed in our affections.”

Seeking Jesus’ healing gaze

Pope Francis pointed out that Jesus responds favorably to the woman’s touch, seeking her out of the pressing crowd.

“This is Jesus’ gaze: there are many people, but He goes in search of a face and a heart full of faith. He does not look at the whole, but at the individual.”

The Pope added that Jesus “does not stop at the wounds and mistakes of the past, but goes beyond sins and prejudices” to reach the heart.

Jesus, he said, heals precisely that woman who had been rejected by everyone, praising her faith and calling her “daughter”.

Love alone heals life

Finally, Pope Francis encouraged everyone to “let Jesus look at and heal your heart.”

If we have already experienced His gaze, then we should turn to those around us who may feel wounded and alone to show them love.

“Jesus asks you for a gaze that does not stop at the outward appearance, but that goes to the heart: a gaze not judgmental, but welcoming,” he said, “Because love alone heals life.”

 

 

Dear Jesus,

you know me 

I have been searching  for Your gaze

 Once I felt empty and dry, 

and still I don't know what you want me to do 

please tell me God what I have to do

Don't let evil and temptation grab me from You

 

You know me

I have been wounded  and keeping it

but Jesus, this wound has made me realize 

to come to You 

to rely on You

to trust You

I feel no regret 

This wound has made me experience You 

This wound has  made me remember my last destination

eternal life 

Help me please 

Love