[Salvation]

The Faith to Be Free

 

by Food For Thought on February 5, 2013 · 

The above verses from Mark tell us of two moving instances of the power of faith.

Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, throws himself at the feet of Jesus and with all humility begs for the life of his daughter. Even when informed previously that his daughter had already died, he kept his faith in Jesus. For his belief, Jesus gave life back to his daughter.

Then there was a woman who for 12 years had been suffering from hemorrhage. To confess her problem in public was the height of shame, for her illness not only affected her health but made her continuously unclean, cutting her of f from the worship of God and the fellowship of her friends (Leviticus 15:25-27). In desperation, she thought that if she could only just touch the tassel of Christ’s robe she would be cured. Jesus blessed her saying, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go and be free of your scourge!”

Oh Lord, give us faith such as theirs.

[Salvation]

One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

 

<< Tuesday, February 5, 2013 >>

St. Agatha

Hebrews 12:1-4
View Readings

Psalm 22:26-28, 30-32

Mark 5:21-43

APPROACH WITH GREAT AWE

"Fearful and beginning to tremble now as she realized what had happened..." —Mark 5:33

 

I had a good laugh the other day when I passed by a church sign that said, "NOW OPEN BETWEEN CHRISTMAS AND EASTER!" The parish was clearly targeting the once-or-twice a year church attendee by copying a common retail marketing idiom, and it seemed humorous in front of a church. Of course they are open! Why aren't people flocking there every week of the year? There was some deep theology worth contemplating in that simple sign.

After laughing about it last week, the Holy Spirit brought this memory back as I listened to today's Gospel. We can learn so much from the hemorrhaging woman's expectant faith (Mk 5:28) as we approach the sacraments, especially the amazing gift of the Holy Eucharist. We can either be like the crowd, which pushes in on Jesus to try to get something from Him (Mk 5:31), or we can approach Jesus like the faith-filled woman.

Approach the sacraments with trembling, awe, and expectant faith (Mk 5:33). Through the sacraments, Jesus will help you in ways that transcend the ways of the crowd and the world.

 

Prayer: Jesus, You did something amazing all because of the expectant faith of that woman in the Gospel. Give me increased and expectant faith (Lk 17:5).

Promise: "Daughter, it is your faith that has cured you. Go in peace and be free of this illness." —Mk 5:34

Praise: Even while enduring tortures, St. Agatha remained faithful to her Bridegroom, Jesus.