Monday of the
Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Hosea 2:16.17c-18.21-22; Matthew 9:18-26)
The man was diagnosed with cancer. He duly took the chemotherapy that was
prescribed. With even greater confidence
he believed that God would cure him. Five
months later and after no easy struggle, the man’s doctor says that there is no
evidence of cancer. Although the story
is but one of millions and not yet completed, it does illustrate the prerequisite
faith for healing shown in today’s gospel.
The official astoundingly goes to Jesus after his
daughter has died to ask for resuscitation.
He believes that a personal encounter with Jesus will give life back to
her. On the way to his house, Jesus is
approached by a woman who has been in the tentacles of hemorrhage for
years. She also places faith in Jesus’ presence. Neither the official nor the afflicted are
disappointed.
Our prayer invokes the presence of Jesus. We may not feel his presence. Indeed, we may feel the frustration of trying
to send emails when the server is disconnected. But through persistent and
patient faith we will experience his life-giving attention.
