In the first reading, we see God as the bridegroom, wooing his unfaithful spouse.  In the Gospel, I see a healing Jesus whose followers are served by their faith.

Today's Gospel leaves me comfortable.  I have a God who recognizes our human feelings.  I have a God who is compassionate.  I feel my God recognizes my attachment to this earthly existence.  In other readings, I have felt uncomfortable in what is asked of me.  I can see benefits to the prodding that this discomfort may provide, but today in recognizing God's power, I can live with my attachments to those around me and to their health.

I think of the challenges presented by the deaths of those who were close.  My sister's death was painful and hard to reconcile.  I wanted the miracle of her healing.  I felt it was not right.  I was not ready for her to go.  My father had a passing that I found easier to endure.  Confined to a bed and unable to speak for the last years of his life, I was better prepared for the inevitable.  My mother was in a somewhat different situation.  She was consciously struggling to stay alive in the hospital emergency room.  My niece, who was there, told her "It's OK Grandma, let go and be with Grandpa."  My mother did.  I am still too attached to the world.  I have instructed my children, never to make such recommendations to me.

This is where I differ with the people in the Gospel.  I do not have the same level of trust.  At this point, I do gain some consolation from the first reading.  Here I encounter a loving God who is patient and forgiving of infidelity.  I have a God who brings me peace.