For Jesus himself testified
that a prophet has no honor in his native place.
When I first read the Gospel I thought if Jesus does not expect that the people of Galilee will see Him as credible, how can I possibly expect anyone to ever believe anything that I say – how do we come to know and believe what is true? I pondered this for some time and was stymied to move on in my reflection. Questions whirled in my head: what is truth? Does anyone really tell the whole truth? Are any truths “self-evident?” While I consider myself to be a good thinker and love to ponder ideas and generate ideas, this was making my head hurt. Perhaps the fatigue of the pandemic is taking hold (or rather continuing to be a constant companion), perhaps the unrest and vile hatefulness that seems pervasive is winning this battle, perhaps I am getting jaded about the world and people in general, perhaps forgiveness and trust is old-fashioned and overvalued … Obviously, my mind was not going to the “right” places (if I still know what those are).
So, I had to find a way to re-group, get back to “basics,” if you will. A way to get my head on “straight.” Instead of being stuck on this first part of the gospel and knowing how many people at that time would soon betray Jesus, I needed to look at what others were also doing at that time. The faith of the official offers hope and redemption …
The royal official said to him,
“Sir, come down before my child dies.”
Jesus said to him, “You may go; your son will live.”
The man believed what Jesus said to him and left.
He believed … how I want to have that faith back and just believe. Forget all this worldly chaos and angst and just BELIEVE! This official was such any unlikely person it would seem to seek out Jesus and ask for this miracle. Yet, the miracle was his reality and fostered in him and his whole household the belief in Jesus.
I need to remind myself that this world is just a part of this journey – there is so much more that is far more important than the piles of things to do, papers to grades, people to please. We must remember that beyond what is in front of us every day is the love of Jesus. That we are loved beyond anything that we deserve or have “earned;” that yes, we have our shortcomings and lots of room for improvement, but we are beloved sinners.
Thus, my prayer for myself – and all of us – to remember: we are beloved, and to ask Jesus and then to believe …
Nancy Shirley
I returned to Creighton in December 2003 having previously taught at Creighton from 1980-1989 and involved in many campus activities including ILAC and CEC House. Since returning, assumed Faculty and Administrative roles on both Omaha and Phoenix campus prior to retirement August 2022. Served as the Nursing Director for ILAC from 2013 – 2021 and as a reservist in the Army Nurse Corps for 23 years.
I am a grateful child of God, wife, mother, nana, and retired nursing professor. My husband and I met at church and have walked this extraordinary journey together experiencing CEC in 2004 and growing more committed to our beliefs. In addition to my husband, I am blessed with a wonderful daughter and son, who in turn are blessed with wonderful partners. My son’s four children bring us all endless joy and delight. My daughter’s daughter (our youngest grandchild in Phoenix) has been a true gift beyond description. In early 2023, I became a Great-grandma!! I am now retired faculty at Creighton having taught nursing here from 1980-1989 and returned “home” in 2003 to teach nursing at all levels and to administer the undergraduate program on both campuses until 2022. My mantra has been My life is God’s gift to me; what I do with my life is my gift to God!!
Now in retirement, I appreciate more and more all the ways that I find God in my life especially through my family and garden and through music and song. I find listening to Christian music daily in the car keeps the right message in my head. It is, indeed, a blessing to be part of this ministry. Writing reflections is an opportunity to ponder the readings deeply in my heart and to share those musings and some music that further touches my soul. I am a recipient of God’s grace with each one I write.
