Mt 9: 18-26
While he 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.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved. http://www.usccb.org/bible/approved-translations
Comfort and Belief
How often the urgency of a critically ill loved one or friend awakens in us the desire to reach out, to comfort, to be of help. The depth of our faith quickly leads us to the Source of all grace – our God who will provide the comfort and healing we seek.
Scripture tells us of the vast number who followed Jesus, listened to his words and witnessed the miraculous powers that brought grace and healing to people of faith, with special concern for the shunned and marginalized.
Today we hear the unlikely story of a Jewish official, a ruler of the synagogue, who was drawn to Jesus because he believed. The gift of faith allowed a desperate, loving parent to set aside any personal consideration and be fully assured that his daughter would be brought back to life if Jesus simply lay his hand upon her. And, so it was.
—Sr. Ann Romayne Fallon, O.P. is an Adrian Dominican sister with notable experience in high school and diocesan administration. Currently she provides pastoral ministry to the Dominican community in Adrian MI.
Prayer
It’s summertime, Lord, but life and work go on and, as always, I need our help. Stay by my side as I walk with you through this week. Keep me on the right path and lead me where you’d have me go.
Give me your strength to do what is right when easier options beckon; give me your wisdom to discern what is just and the will to follow through.
Lord, be my colleague and companion, my patron and partner, my guardian and guide. Walk with me, Lord. Amen!
—from the blog of A Concord Pastor