GOSPEL POWER | JULY 5, 2021 MONDAY | Saint Anthony Zaccaria, Priest | 14th Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel: Mt 9: 18 – 26

While Jesus was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.”And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples. Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. When Jesus came to the leader’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, “Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. And the report of this spread throughout that district.

Reflection

Faith, as portrayed in today’s double episode, is as simple as  wishing the impossible, then letting Jesus fulfill that wish.  The official who just lost his daughter simply wished her alive again  and came to tell Jesus explicitly his wish. The bleeding woman wished  to be cured of her affliction, approached Jesus and touched his cloak  secretly, while keeping her wish in her heart. Both obtained what they  wished for, because they took the courage to approach Jesus. Faith is  the key that unlocks the divine store of power. Whether the wish is  expressed or unexpressed, Jesus who has access to the person’s heart,  responds in the measure of the person’s faith.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, increase our faith by helping us to overcome our hesitations to  confide to you our wishes and to let you do with them as you please. Amen.