The Gospel according to Matthew (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.
Reflection: Growing up as the mischievous and daring kids that we were, my brother and I would always come home with some type of scrape, cut or open wound. When we got home, we immediately knew what our penance was going to be. My mother would whip out this giant brown bottle of “hydrogen peroxide”, tell us to stand in the tub or lean over the sink (depending on where our wound was), and she would pour “gobs” of this stuff over the wound. Of course, it would sting but we had to take it. But … that wasn’t all, then she would take out this “itty bitty” bottle called “mercurochrome” and she would “glob” that over the wound too. This stuff would leave this reddish tint on your skin, but it was the healing potion of the Gallego house. Oh, by the way, we didn’t get band aids because mom believed that the wound needed air to cure. Whatever … so I am still alive with all my digits and limbs.
Today’s scripture teaches us that God is our healer. There are two easy lessons: First, is that it’s up to us to make the effort to reach out and touch Christ. We can’t wait for others to help us. We do that with the Sacrament of Reconciliation, receiving the Holy Eucharist, and just listening to the Word of God. Secondly, we ask that God comes to us for healing. We must reach out and carry the cross of our sisters & brothers and ask God to reach out to our friends or family members and heal them.
Now we don’t know for sure if this stuff really worked. We don’t know that my mom knew that she was it was fake, and it was just water with “stingy” stuff in it. Maybe my mother took pleasure by doing this to us. BUT the key here is that my brother and I BELIEVED. We really believed that it worked and that it was the miracle healer for us. The other part of this healing which was very important, even today, was that we sought out for the love and compassion of our mother because it gave us comfort. By the way, I do have “hydrogen peroxide” in my house today!
Today’s Psalm sums up this whole Reflection; “In you, my God, I place my trust.”
Action of the Day: Who do you pray for? Who’s cross do you need to carry for them? Whoever it is, call them / text them and tell them. Tell them that you love them, are praying for them, and that you are carrying their cross.
Audio Reflection:
