Strong yet humble faith

The story is told about a woman who got mad at her husband. Why? He won in a raffle a free trip to Hong Kong for two. Guess what? He went to Hong Kong alone, twice.

In today’s gospel (Mk. 5, 21-43), we hear how considerate and how selfless Jesus was to the people who sought Him. Unlike the selfish husband in the story above, Jesus teaches us to forget ourselves and to go the “extra mile” for others.

We take note of the “extra mile” that Jairus, the synagogue official, took in searching for Jesus. His daughter was dying, but he did not give in to despair and hopelessness. Instead, in humility, he asked for Jesus to help him. His faith was strong.

We likewise take note of the “extra mile” the sick woman took in seeking Jesus’ healing. This she did in a humble and hidden way. She did not seek importance or attention. She just quietly believed that she would be healed if she just but touched Jesus’ clothing. Her faith was humble.

Let us ask the Lord to give us strong yet humble faith, especially when we go through trials and persecutions. Please remember that in our journey to God’s heart, we must neither be fainthearted nor proud.

“Beloved, rejoice in the measure that you share Christ’s sufferings. When His glory is revealed, you will rejoice exultantly. Happy are you when you are insulted for the sake of Christ, for then God’s spirit in its glory had come to rest on you.” (1 Peter 4, 13-14)

Erratum. Last Sunday, we wrote that Zechariah was blind. He was mute. That was a mistake on our part. But over and above this, it is also our mistake if we remain blind and mute to what is happening around us: “I don’t know, and I don’t care.” May the Lord spare us from this selfish and uncaring attitude in life.

Like the sick woman in our gospel story today, I, too, believe in the healing power of the Lord. And I also firmly believe in the power of prayer. Pray with me for good results of my PET scan this July 3. My sincerest thanks!

Let us be very considerate and thoughtful of the sick, the elderly and the physically challenged. Somewhere down the road, we, too, will be such, or in a similar situation. Like the Lord, may we be kind, gentle and able to listen to them. The sick and the suffering pass on to us many graces and blessings.

We honor today those who take care of and pray for the sick, the disabled and the elderly. May God bless and reward those who do ministry of presence and accompaniment. They make real the presence and the love of God in our midst.

“May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word and the spirit of grace. And may the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all. Amen.” Let us pray this prayer of our founder, St. Arnold Janssen, SVD. Especially at this time, for our country.

Today is St. Paul the Apostle Sunday. There will be a special collection in all Masses today for the solidarity funds by the Pontifical Mission Society, for the formation of seminarians in mission areas. Let us be one with them in our prayers, sacrifices and love offerings.

Thought for the day: “We are never without the solutions to our problems. It’s just that, sometimes, we may have to wait a little. Learn how to remain peaceful and patient.

A moment with the Lord: Lord, give us strong, yet humble, faith. Amen.

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