# Tuesday, fifth week of Lent
*2015-02-23*

> Bill Young reflects on the resiliency of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah and the importance of supporting the elderly and the sick in our community.

## The Grace of the Healing Mass

I had an opportunity to go to a Healing Mass Monday night. My wife's mother was having a Mass said for her son, my wife's brother. I hadn't been to a Healing Mass in a while, and it was a great experience. I would suggest anyone who hasn't gone to attend, even if you may not be seriously sick. As soon as the oils were placed on me, I felt a big weight off my shoulders and a peace that I couldn't explain.

## Praying for Our Seniors

I also want to mention my friend Eugene from the community who passed away over the weekend. It was sad because his family wasn't in town, so he was by himself and there were no services. This points to the fact that there are a lot of people in that same situation. We need to pray for the elderly because I think they are one of the last groups of people who are not appreciated. We need to appreciate our seniors.

## The Suffering Servant

Today's scripture is from Isaiah 50:6-7: 'I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting. But the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.'

This Sunday is Palm Sunday, the Passion of the Lord. We are hearing what is often called the third Suffering Servant song. These verses bear meaning on many levels, including Isaiah's own plight as a prophet. Here, they reveal a great resiliency; even knowing the stubbornness of the people he was addressing, he did not stop proclaiming God's forgiveness.

## Faithfulness and Resilience

For Christians, that faithfulness to one mission is echoed in the resolute image of Jesus on trial. It is also seen in the resiliency of our modern martyrs around the world. When we are firmly rooted in God, nothing can separate us from the power of God's love. Nothing.

*When we are firmly rooted in God, nothing can separate us from the power of His love.*