A reading from the holy Gospel according to 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.
REFLECTION: "Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you."
The hemorrhaging woman went before the Lord, in hiding. She opened up her heart and God in turn opened His. She went to HIm and He came to her, she asked and He gave.
Her relationship with God had perhaps just started or maybe she had been praying for twelve years. God knew who she was and knew what her prayers were. Yes, indeed, embarrassment might have kept her hidden or perhaps she could not get passed the crowd, but she had that hope, that faith that Jesus would heal her. " Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you."
At that moment she was consumed and immersed wholly in Him. God shows mercy to those who fear Him. We cannot be in the presence of God and not receive His graces, His love, His mercy and His peace.
Go to adoration, visit the Holy Eucharist and open up your heart. Allow Jesus to take your heart into His and through the Holy Spirit offer up your prayer to God. Be still for the many miracles in your life, the joy and the peace amid the suffering and trials of this life. Let our souls be penetrated by God's love. Remember--not a single prayer goes unheard in heaven. But at times we suffer the distress of many trials, so that our faith may lead to praise, glory and honor when Jesus appears. (1 Peter 1:6-9)
May Adoration be always available for all. May our priests share their love for God with their congregation.
