30 Jan
Tue
4th Week in Ordinary Time
2 Sam. 18:9-10,14b,24-25a,31-19:3
Ps. 86(85):1-2,3-4,5-6
Mk. 5:21-43
(Ps Wk IV)
How To Pray With Shalom
Home Page of Shalom
Index of This Month
 
 

In the Gospel tradition, two miracle stories have been woven together, that of the woman who suffered from a haemorrhage and that of a young girl, Jairus' daughter. Both miracles are Jesus' response to great faith. Jesus consoled the woman with the haemorrhage: "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace." To Jairus, he asserted: "Do not be afraid, only believe."

One message is very clear in these two stories and in the other miracle stories in the Gospels: praying for a miracle can only be effective when it is accompanied by great faith. From a superficial point of view, the woman's act of touching the hem of Jesus' garment might seem superstitious, but the whole story, especially Jesus' response to the woman, affirms the faith encounter between the woman and Jesus.

In both instances, Jesus encourages the person not to be afraid. He says this directly to Jairus: "Do not be afraid." He addresses the woman gently and affectionately "Daughter" and says to her: "Go in peace." True faith takes away all fear from our hearts and brings us the gift of deep peace.



Lord Jesus, grant that the gift of faith may always drive all fear from our hearts and allow us to live in that peace which is Your resurrection gift to us.


DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That Christians, and other religious minorities in Asian countries, may be able to practise their faith in full freedom.
Elaboration

- END -


© Copyright Shalom 2018. All rights reserved.