Mystery of the day: Joyful
Theme: The healing power of Christ.
And He said: "Depart; for the girl is not dead but sleeping." (Matthew 9:24)
Today's gospel acclamation which says: "Our Saviour Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel." ( 2 Timothy 1:10) summarised the essence of man's earthly existence. It underscores the real meaning of life after death, against human understanding of the present life as that which breeds several questions considering the challenges and difficulties experienced.
In the Gospel pericope, Evangelist Matthew gave an account of two great miracles: that of the woman with haemorrhage for twelve years and the death of the daughter of a ruler (cf. Matthew 9:18-26). The duo bring us the message of salvation which today's acclamation proclaimed.
As the ruler requested for a touch by Jesus on his daughter, there was this faith in him that once Jesus consented to this request, all will be well. And Christ in response went there in haste, on seeing the dead body surrounded by the mourners He said: "Depart; for the girl is not dead but sleeping." (Matthew 9:24).
Beloved in Christ, most of us might be going around with what I can refer to as haemorrhage, or worst still dead tissues. These two point to our various setbacks, sickness, unemployment, barreness, etc. which alienate us from the crowd as the woman who suffered from
haemorrhage for twelve years, or eternal silence from the world of the living as the dead girl.
Amidst this, God Himself whispered through His Son Jesus in today's gospel saying:
"Depart; for the girl is not dead but sleeping." (Matthew 9:24). This called for a departure from our present comfort zone to the mountain where will be transformed. But before we get there, we need to gird our loin and be courageous no matter the challenge and discouragement we get from the crowd who may conclude that "It is finished."
Indeed, it has not finished until it is finished in the Lord, as He has the final say, which He has already uttered on the Cross: "It is finished" (John 9:30). May these last beautiful Words of our Lord be manifested in our life situation now and forever. Amen. Peace, be with you!
Let us prayer
Eternal Word, receive our heartfelt thanks we pray Thee and sustain us in our daily struggle with the hope that we will be healed through a touch of the fringe of Your garment. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
© The ARCHIVE 10072023
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