Readings: Genesis 28:10-22, Ps. 91:1-4,14-15, Matthew 9:18-26
“And behold, a woman who had suffered from a haemorrhage for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment; for she said to herself, ‘If I only touch his garment, I shall be made well.’” (Matthew 9:20-21).
In today’s first reading, Jacob, having received the blessing of the firstborn son from Isaac, left Beersheba and came to Haran, Abraham’s ancestral home. That night, Jacob had a dream. He saw a ladder leading from the earth to heaven with angels ascending and descending on it. God spoke to Jacob in this dream, assuring him of divine protection and blessings.
When Jacob woke up, he took the stone on which he had rested his head and set it up as an altar for God. This was the beginning of what would become the temple of Bethel. When you are next in a church, think of Jacob’s dream and try to picture the ladder linking heaven to earth. Doing this would boost your faith.
When you come into the church and you see pictures, drawings and sculptural works, do you worry that we are breaking the first commandment? If we were, what would you say to Jacob, who set up a pillar with the stone (on which he slept) and poured oil on it? Yet, Jacob knew he wasn’t worshipping the stone itself but God whom he encountered in that spot.
In today’s Gospel passage, we meet two persons in very tough situations - a ruler whose daughter had just died and a woman who suffered from a haemorrhage for twelve years. Both of them dared to approach Jesus for a solution, believing firmly in their hearts that Jesus was capable.
The woman believed she would be healed by touching the hem of Jesus’ garment. She touched Jesus’ clothing and received healing. This is faith at work. Many persons walk into a church and, because they feel the presence of God there, say to themselves: “If only I touch so and so, I shall be made well.” Just as there is nothing idolatrous about the woman’s action, there is nothing idolatrous about expressing one’s faith if you believe deep within your heart that you are standing before God.
The ruler knew his daughter was dead, but firmly believed that Jesus had a solution for death. He invited Jesus to heal his daughter’s condition, much as one would ask an electrician to replace a faulty switch. Faith does not begin with the occurrence of a miracle. Faith makes it happen. Believe that no matter what you face, it is not beyond what God can handle.
Faith is subjective. This is why it is difficult to explain one’s faith to others. It is easy to criticise others for acting out their faith, yet wisdom demands that we refrain from such. For those who do not believe in God, Jacob was insane for building an altar, the woman with a haemorrhage was crazy for touching Jesus’ garment, and the ruler in today’s Gospel passage went too far by asking Jesus to do something about a dead girl.
Are you struggling to believe? Have you prayed before, and your prayers were not granted? Do not conclude that God doesn’t care or that He doesn’t exist. Do not go about insulting those who still believe in God. The key to receiving miracles is expectation. Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has made you well.” This means that faith has to come before the miracle. The problem is not God’s silence; it is your refusal to listen. Read the Bible and be inspired by the stories of ordinary persons like you, whose lives were transformed because they believed. If God did it for them, He will do it for you. Only believe, all things are possible.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, heal us with your powerful touch. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Monday of week 14 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Genesis 28:10-22, Ps. 91:1-4,14-15, Matthew 9:18-26).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu