HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 4TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME-Christian life compares to a race

Homily for Tuesday of the 4th week in the ordinary time 

Hebrews 12:1-4; Mark 5:21-43

"Christian life compares to a race"

"Cure of the woman with heamorrhage"

The first reading compares Christian life to a race. It says: "Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,  let us also lay aside every weight and sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us" (Heb 12:1).

For every race, there is always a goal to attain. In this Christian context, Jesus is the ultimate goal to be reached. Having a great cloud of witnesses, every Christian must with perseverance and steadfastness pursue the course marked out for him. He mustn't run outside of the tracks designed for him in order to faithfully attain the price. So also, every Christian must abide by God's commandments enshrined in the word of God and the precepts of the church. 

In the vein that Jesus endured the cross and disregarded its shame for the sake of the joy set before him (Heb 12:2). Christians must not be discouraged by the obstacles and challenges they might encounter on the way. It may appear easy to begin the race but perseverance is the key when the race becomes difficult. Thus, our eyes must be fixed on the ultimate goal in Christ Jesus. 

Beloved in Christ, are you being overwhelmed by the challenges you encounter on the way? Is your heart set upon Christ  Jesus, not just as the exemplary model but the ultimate end of the race? Remember there cannot be a crown with the cross.

In the Gospel reading we have two miracle accounts: the cure of the woman with hemorrhage and then the raising of the daughter of Jairus by Jesus.

In the first account, we have the scenario of a woman who had suffered the flow of blood for twelve years. Although she had visited many physicians, spending all she had but had no cure. She came up to Jesus and said, if I touch his clothes, I will be made well. We are told that immediately she did so, her hemorrhage stopped and she became well (Mk 5:27-29).

Friends in Christ, it was not mere touch that healed her rather her faith in Jesus. Though many pressed in on (touching) him in need of favour, yet amidst the crowd, only the woman received her healing. This is so because though they pressed in on him, they had no faith.

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, the woman lost all faith in medicine but found medicine in faith. Jesus said to her: "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace" (Mk 5:34).

Child of God, are you in a state of pain, sorrow or set back? Can you with faith touch Jesus? Opportunities are given to us in the sacrifice of the mass, when we receive the Holy communion, when we hear the word of God, and at moments of devotion and prayers. Do we touch Jesus with faith? Following Jesus isn't enough, but it must be done in faith. Remember, if we touch Jesus, Jesus will touch our lives.

We pray that God may increase our faith in every one of our encounter with him that we may be healed and receive his blessings. Amen

May God bless his words in our hearts both now and forevermore.  Amen

Fr Remi osj