When hearing of the challenges faced by persons going through cancer treatment, we often find these stories upsetting, especially when the patient is of a younger age, or when a family member writes honestly about the thought of losing their loved one. If we choose to examine this reaction closely, we may observe our impulse is to turn away from words of sickness, end of life, or the struggles of the young and old. But Jesus knows He has to redirect us and show us where we can always find Him. If we follow Him, we watch how He passes by those who are secure, confident, and content with themselves. He heads right for the beaten down, suffering, sick, and outcast.
Jesus teaches us that it is the marginalized people of our community who are the most receptive to the message of the gospel because they have first hand experience in knowing how unable we are to live without God. When we avoid adversity, we sever the connection that begins towards the heart of Jesus by offering our helping hand. And what's worse in our refusal is we have rejected the even larger gift of grace returned by the recipient of our help; that which completes the exchange for both parties to willingly, lovingly, joyously accept the full Gift of God being offered.
