THE WORD
Hos 2,16-18.21-22 / Mt 9,18-26
While Jesus was speaking to the crowd, 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.
IN OTHER WORDS
The story is told that when Pope Francis was in the Philippines, there was this dilemma of theMMDA whether to cite him for traffic violation on three counts: (1) using a vehicle with no valid plate number; (2) not using a seatbelt; (3) standing while the vehicle is in motion. But they decided to let him go, in the spirit of mercy and compassion.
Jesus, out of mercy and compassion, healed the woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years, and raised up to life the little girl who had died. He had a heart, and he went out of his way to be with, and to minister to them. Pope Francis showed us his Master’s heart when he was with us too. More than ever, we need people with kind and caring hearts. We have too many proud intellectuals, managers, celebrities and functionaries.
“Courage, your faith has saved you.” The Lord tells us today to focus on Him (not on ourselves!) and to hold on to His hands (not to our own resources) as we journey on. In the end, it is our faith and trust in God, more than our “achievements” that will save us. It is because God is loving, merciful and compassionate that we will “make it there” in that kingdom where there are no more tears, no more pain, no more sorrow, no more sickness, no more goodbyes.
In faith, in humility, let us pray every day: “Lord, help me to make the rest of my life, the best of my life. Amen!”
- Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD | San Jose, Batangas
The Word in other words 2016
An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.
