Fifth Monday of Ordinary Time

As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him. They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.

As word of Jesus’ healing powers spread, more and more people come to him seeking to be cured. They might not know Jesus’ message, but they recognize his authority from all his good works. We too should recognize Jesus’ authority and power and turn to him for help with our problems whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual. And just like those who sought him out so long ago, we will be healed, too. We have only to come to him in faith, stretch out our hands in hope, and lovingly accept the graces he gives us.

Do we recognize Jesus’ authority in our lives? Do we come to him when we are sick or in trouble? Are there other people in our lives who we can lead to God’s healing powers?

O Lord, heal us of our afflictions.

Amen.