Mystery of the day: Joyful
Celebration: Ferial
Liturgical Colour: Green
Table of the Word
First Reading: Genesis 28:10–22
Gospel: Matthew 9:18–26
Theme: If I only touch his garment, I shall be made well.
Reflection
God's abiding presence and power to restore life form the basis of our reflection this morning. In the first reading, we read about Jacob’s vision of a ladder reaching to heaven (cf. Genesis 28:10–22), a revelation that God is not distant, but present and involved in our everyday situation. While the Gospel gives an account of witnesses ofJesus’ compassionate authority over illness and death (cf. Matthew 9:18–26), fulfilling that divine closeness. These texts remind us that God meets us in our weakness, renews our strength, and invites us into covenantal trust.
This attribute of God's compassion is visibly displayed in the first reading when God assures Jacob: “Know that I am with you; I will protect you wherever you go” (Genesis 28:15). Jacob awakens with awe and says: “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.”
However, the symbolism of this ladder is a divine connection, a channel where God's unfathomable mercy is showered upon us. It is also a prefiguration of Christ, the true and living connection between heaven and earth (cf. John 1:51).
This divine gesture made itself manifested in the gospel pericope aswell with the healing of the woman with hemorrhage and restoration to life of the dead girl (cf.Matthew 9:18–26). These two miracles points to act of faith in God. This virtue (faith) opens the door to healing and restoration. Even when all seems lost, for Christ brings hope and new life. And the Catechism of the Catholic Church has this to say
on Christ’s compassion for the sick: “continues to inspire the Church’s ministry to the suffering... Christ is still the physician of souls and bodies” (CCC 1503). While St. John Chrysostom on the other hand comments that Jesus delays not to test but to teach perseverance: “The woman’s faith was greater than her fear; therefore healing followed.”
Beloved in Christ, in conclusion it is obvious that, God is not distant. He is the God of Bethel and of the bleeding woman, the God who sees us, touches us, and lifts us up. Whether in a desert or on a deathbed, He comes with healing in His wings. Let us therefore in our challenging situation look up to Him as our healer, one who restores, rebuilds and provides. For only if we touch the fringe of His cloak that our stories will be rewritten.
+ Peace be with you.
© ARCHIVE 07072025
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