MONDAY OF THE FOURTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME.

July 5, 2021

Gn 28: 10-22,

Ps 91: 1-2, 3-4, 14-15,

Mt 9: 18-26

GOD’S MERCIFUL TIMING

The Lord hears the cry of the poor. In His mercy, “the Lord is close to the broken-hearted; and those who are crushed in spirit He saves” (Ps 34:19).

In our first reading, Jacob’s brother was so angry with him that he planned to kill him. So Jacob had to get out of town. While fleeing on the road, the Lord in His mercy gave Jacob a glorious dream promising him great things. Dear brothers and sisters, when life seems the worst, the Lord reveals the best. The Lord gives special mercy to the most broken and rejected people. Be patient and always remember; when the time is right, the Lord will make it happen.

Prayer becomes effective, not in its length, nor in its style, nor in its method, nor in its form, but only in the strength of the faith of the one who prays. The gospel portrays two healing miracles of Jesus in response to simply but faith- laden prayers of those who asked him: Faith in Jesus proceeded the prayer of the woman who was suffering from hemorrhages for 12 years: ‘if only I can touch his cloak, I shall get well.’ Jesus assured her of the cure due to her faith: ‘Your faith has restored you to health.’ The same is true with the synagogue leader who pleaded with Jesus to come with him to lay his hand on her daughter who had just died. Due to their lack of faith, it is not surprising that Jesus asked the crowd who were making noise to leave. No cure can take place when there is no faith. The faith a person has in prayer always makes the difference between answered and unanswered prayers.

Imagine if everyone had this depth of faith in our Lord. Imagine if all of us knew, with the deepest conviction of certitude that God would take care of every need we have. And imagine if we turned to our Lord with this deep conviction of certitude every day with every need. If we could do that, then our Lord would be able to continually care for us in every way.

In our lives, we must seek God’s will in everything we do. This woman knew she would be healed, because God the Father spoke to her in her mind and heart and inspired her to touch the cloak of Jesus His Son, and she responded, and the healing took place. God must speak first, we must hear and respond, and then His will is accomplished.

As Christians, we are called to share in Christ’s mission of imparting the fullness of life to everyone. Sin and evil have not only defiled the world, but have also brought about darkness and death. As His followers, we are instruments in driving away the darkness of evil and sin in society by being the living witnesses of Christ’s love to others. St. Teresa of Calcutta said, “Speak tenderly to them. Let there be kindness in your face, in your eyes, in your smile, in the warmth of your greeting. Always have a cheerful smile. Don’t only give your care, but give your heart as well.”

Jesus accepts us as we are. Hence, we need not wait until we have the correct motive and strong Faith to bring our problems before Jesus. Let us bring before him our bodily and spiritual wounds and ask for his healing touch. We do our share in Christ’s healing mission by visiting the sick, by praying for their healing, by boosting their morale through our loving presence, words of encouragement, and inspiration.

Always realize that, “True Christian worship is faith fighting against despair.”When life seems hopeless or impossible, when the winds of despair blow, recognize that these are the temptations and assaults of the devil. In all those moments, Christ says to you what He said to Jairus, “Do not fear; only believe.” The greatest worship you can offer is to trust Christ’s words over everything you see, feel, and experience.

Remember, there is no limit to the healing and renewal which Jesus can accomplish in our life, let us have faith in Him know that His timing always comes with good tidings.

Stay Blessed.