Gospel: Mt 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.
IF ONLY I CAN TOUCH HIS CLOAK: Some cultures preserve and transmit tradition through stories. And the closest people can get to such events is usually by visiting certain relevant sites and persons linked with such stories of performing certain rituals, rites or acts of worship. Certainly, Jacob had had stories about God. But the personal encounter with Him made a huge difference. Likewise, in the Gospel reading of today. Prompted by their faith, the official and the woman who had suffered hemorrhages for twelve years, approached Jesus, and felt the power of the encounter. Where do we stand in our relation with Jesus; in what people had said about him? Have we bothered to encounter, Him the crucified? (See Phil 3:10; 1 Cor 2:1-2). Who is Jesus for me?
PRAYER: Lord grant me the faith and courage to encounter you. Come into my life, heal me and make me a testimony of your love.
DAILY GOSPEL 