Hosea 2:16,17-18,21-22, Ps. 145:2-9, Matthew 9:18-26
“The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (Psalm 145:8)
Today’s Gospel passage is slightly different from Mark’s version of the same event. One important difference between Mark and Matthew is that Matthew tells us that Jairus came to Jesus after his daughter’s death. In other words, Jairus believed that Jesus had the power to raise the dead to life just as the woman suffering from the issue of blood believed the fringe of Jesus’ garment could heal her.
Indeed, as our Psalmist sings today, “the Lord is kind and full of compassion.” As Africans, we know what it means to have a brother or sister abroad or in Government who is kind and full of compassion; a brother or sister, uncle or aunty we can always call to send “alert” when we are in need.
We do this out of faith; out of our belief that there is some money stacked up “in the abroad,” falling from trees in the white man’s land or being shared in Government offices. We never bother to find out the reality of life abroad or how we tacitly contribute to every growing demon of corruption that will forever keep our continent in poverty.
Today, our Psalmist encourages us to turn that faith towards God because He alone deserves the title: kind and full of compassion. Only God is kind because He alone owns everything in this world and He alone gives freely without demanding repayment. People may sympathize with us when we are down but only God is full of compassion – only God can understand what we are going through; only God can “passion with” us; only God can suffer with us.
If Jairus could walk up to Jesus after his daughter’s death, what is my problem that I now feel is beyond God’s intervention? Why not visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament for one hour today? If for nothing, use that time to ask Jesus to show you how He has been kind and compassionate to you since the very day you were born. This exercise will boost your faith and transform your prayer life.
Let us pray: O God, there is nothing beyond your power, teach me to trust you more than ever before. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Monday of week 14 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Hosea 2:16,17-18,21-22, Ps. 145:2-9, Matthew 9:18-26)
© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu