Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr

Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him.

After Jesus manifests his divine power and authority, he finds himself followed by large crowds of people seeking to not only hear him speak the Good News, but also to be healed of their afflictions. The people are expecting him to work miracles. However, we should not presume upon God’s Grace in such a way. We should be content with what goods God is willing to give us. This does not mean we shouldn’t ask for His help, we should always do that, but rather when we ask for His intercession in our lives we should leave it up to Him as to how He aids us. It’s okay to reach out to Jesus in our times of need, but we cannot force him to fix everything that is wrong in our lives. Sometimes we need to pass through trials and overcome obstacles before we can reach our full potential as Christians.

Do we seek God’s help in a spirit of hopefulness, rather than expectation? Do we humbly seek God’s help in the midst of our trials and tribulations? What things can we do to prepare ourselves to receive God’s help?

O Lord, we humbly seek your healing graces.

Amen.