Psalm 104:1-2a, 5-6, 10, 12, 24, 35c
Mark 6:53-56 Full Readings
Extraordinary Faith
Brethren, in the first reading we see the first creation story, an explanation of how the universe came into being. The two slightly different accounts of the creation are not meant to be historical; they can’t be! One difficulty is that it is now firmly established scientifically that the universe existed for countless billions of years before humans existed to record what was happening. Another more obvious difficulty is that the sun and the moon are said to have been created only on the fourth day: what could be meant by a ‘day’ without sunrise and sunset? Nevertheless, they are true in that they teach us significant truths, not so much about what happened but about ourselves today, our relationship to the Creator, whom we call ‘God’, our environment, and one another. The creation stories answer many of our fundamental questions of humanity, like what is the origin of the universe, the origin of man, the origin of evil and suffering, and many others, and are necessary for our faith in God.
The Gospel today shows the extraordinary faith of the crowd who were following and scurrying to Jesus everywhere he went. The mere fact that they were following Jesus everywhere is the manifestation of the faith that they had in Jesus; they were just longing to touch his cloak so that they could be healed. This is the extraordinary faith that this crowd showed and a challenge to us today: to examine how deep our faith is in Jesus. Jesus went out doing good, healing the sick, casting out demons, forgiving sins, and other works of mercy to those who showed faith in and accepted him; but to those who rejected him, like in Nazareth, he didn't do many miracles there.
In the Gospel stories, the most dramatic healings were often accomplished by the smallest, seemingly insignificant actions, such as touching the tassel of Jesus’ cloak. All that was required by the recipient was an act of faith (see also Matthew 9:20). Jesus asks us to have faith in him. “What great faith our Lord Jesus Christ asks of us—and how just that is. Do we not owe him such faith? It looks impossible to us, but Jesus is Master of the Impossible” (Blessed Charles de Foucauld). Do we believe that Jesus can work miracles in our lives just because we ask him to? He demands faith from us as a response to his divine gifts, which he gives.
We must also run to him not just to be healed physically but spiritually, especially as we live in a world where there has been much spiritual degeneration and sickness because of sin; we must run to him in the sacrament of reconciliation. In this sacrament, we are invited to “touch the tassel on his cloak,” so to speak, and be spiritually healed. For that reason, we should have a much deeper desire to seek out Jesus in the confessional than the people of Jesus’ day had for physical healing. And yet, too often we ignore the priceless gift of God’s mercy and healing offered so freely to us. What we need more today is really spiritual healing that will touch our souls for eternity; let's go for it.
Today let us reflect on the depth of our faith in Jesus. Do we believe that through touching the cross of Jesus, receiving him in the Eucharist, using all sacramentals, listening to his chosen ones preach, or even a reflection like this, Jesus can heal us? Most times, we can take these things for granted, but it is where Jesus needs to heal us. Do you long to touch the cloak of Jesus so that you can be healed? Let's have faith in him, and all the sacramentals will help us to reach Jesus and receive his healing and forgiveness of our sins.
Let us Pray
Lord Jesus, my heart has been wounded by many sins, my mind and tongue carelessly left unguarded. Lord of kindness and power, in my lowliness and need I am turning to you, the fountain of mercy; I am hurrying to you to be healed; I am taking refuge under your protection. I am longing to meet you, not as my judge but as my Saviour. Lord, I am not ashamed to show you my wounds. Only you know how many and how serious my sins are, and though they could make me fear for my salvation, I am putting my hope in your mercies, which are beyond count. Look on me with mercy, then, Lord Jesus Christ, eternal King, God, and man, crucified for our sake. I am putting my trust in you, the fountain that will never stop flowing with merciful love: hear me and forgive my sins and weaknesses (Prayer of St Ambrose). Amen
Be blessed
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