Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 9, 18-26
While Jesus was speaking, an official came forward,
knelt down before him, and said,
“”My daughter has just died.
But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.””
Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples.
A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him
and touched the tassel on his cloak.
She said to herself, “”If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.””
Jesus turned around and saw her, and said,
“”Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.””
And from that hour the woman was cured.
When Jesus arrived at the official’s house
and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion,
he said, “”Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.””
And they ridiculed him.
When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand,
and the little girl arose.
And news of this spread throughout all that land.
Heal
1. Lay your hand on her. The laying on of hands is the outward expression of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. That is why, when Jesus laid his hands on people, they were healed. We priests use the same gesture when we administer the sacraments because it is the power of the Spirit that heals. Today I ask the Holy Spirit to touch your heart and heal you. May He make you feel alive; may you live this life as a celebration; may you not be afraid of the opportunities that come to you; may you learn to trust again. Today let’s pray for you and also for me, so that we may overcome and know that we are touched by God.
2. If only I can touch. This woman in the Gospel is wounded by life and by society. She turns to Jesus in the face of so many rejections. She is healed because she has faith. Perhaps you also have to heal in your life after so many years that people have labeled and excluded you… even your relatives, or people you loved. Today go and pray, talk to Jesus and express in your words the pains and sufferings that are in your heart; the situations that are still making you bleed.
3. She arose. Get up today! Let’s start a new day together; do not be afraid. Even if people consider you dead or incapable of doing anything, keep going, because today your faith must lift you up and encourage you. Go for it! Never give up because you have to stand upright. Remember something good is on the way!
God bless you and be with you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
