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
Your faith has saved you.
There are so many "how to" books both written by Catholics and non Catholics, promising special prayers that will get you closer to God, advising how to pray to God or guaranteeing that certain prayers will reach God. Are we praying only because we want something or are we praying because we know whom we are speaking with?
The synagogue official, with humility in the painful reality of his daughter's death, approaches and kneels before Jesus with a confident and expectant faith. There was something special and unusual about this Rabbi. The miracles are testimony to His divinity. And Jesus gives him hope in God.
St Elizabeth of Portugal had doubts, fears and uncertainties marrying at the age of 12 to Denis, King of Portugal. Her husband allowed her to carry on her devotions especially the Office Readings throughout the Day. She cared for the homeless providing lodging and necessities. She cared for unwed mothers and their children. King Denis, however, was harsh, unfaithful and neglectful.
She bore all with patience and grew closer to God through her prayer life, fasting and almsgiving.
She was a peacemaker. Her husband King Denis became ill and she devoted all her time to his care. He died repenting of his treatment of his wife. As a widow she founded a convent of Poor Clares but eventually became a third order of St Francis, living in a house near the convent.
St Elizabeth knew how to get close to God and knew what was needed to be with Him. As the synagogue official's faith got him to Jesus, St Elizabeth's persevering faith brought her also closer to God.
Pray for more faith and more awe in God so that our faith will save us.
God Bless You
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