MATTHEW 9:18-26 DON'T GIVE UP ON JESUS

Year A, Monday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Gospel tells two different stories, but they have one thing in common: both people refuse to give up on Jesus. A synagogue official comes to Him after his daughter has died. A woman who has suffered for twelve long years reaches out just to touch His cloak. Humanly speaking, both situations seem hopeless. Yet both place their trust in Christ.

How often do we pray for something and, when the answer does not come quickly, we become discouraged? We may stop praying, lose hope, or think that God is no longer listening. But today's Gospel reminds us that God's timing is not always our timing. Faith is not only believing that God can act; it is trusting Him even while we are waiting.

The woman's healing came with one touch. Jairus had to keep walking with Jesus before he saw the miracle. Sometimes God works immediately; sometimes He asks us to keep trusting. In both cases, He is asking us to stay close to Him.

Perhaps there is an area of your life where you have begun to lose hope—a relationship, a family member, your health, or your spiritual life. Today, Jesus says to you what He said to the woman: "Take courage." Don't give up on Him. The Lord is still at work, even when we cannot yet see what He is doing.

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler

Father Leo