HOMILY, MONDAY, 14TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A
Hosea: 14bc.15cd-16.19-20, Matthew 9:18-26
One of the peoples who possibly must have been making things difficult for Jesus is seen today in the gospel, coming to him for help. The ruler who approached him was Jairus, one of the leaders in the synagogue. [Ref Mark 5:21-43, Luke 8:40-56]
When people are desperately in need, they cross any mountain to meet their needs. The ruler had to swallow his pride and come to Jesus. He would not allow himself to be frozen up in a religious system that locks its door against the light of Christ. And he said,
“My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hands on her and she will live.”
On a good day, he would not have the flair for the person of Jesus, for Jesus had been tagged as a revolutionist or an unorthodox man. Pride of position has to be sacrificed to remedy a situation.
However, there is something very striking about him. That is, his faith in the resurrection power of Jesus. He will not allow the wailing of the mourners to dash his hope. There was something inside him that was more golden than a preserved religious tradition that offers little or no hope in the healing power of Jesus. And Jesus, true to his mission followed him without bias and raised his daughter from death.
We must not allow the voices of desperation from others to discourage us from fanning into flame the spark of God within us. We must pray to be saved from the bondage to religiosity so as to be partakers in the working of God among us in our daily living.
Jesus remains the last resort. We must not allow the glory of our position to hinder us from approaching his humble channels of disseminating grace.
PRAYER
Jesus, help me to recognize your power. May I never lose my faith in your saving healing presence. Thy kingdom come.
