Exemplifying audacious Faith (Homily for Monday of the 14th week in Ordinary time year II June 8 2024

Homily for Monday of the  14th week in Ordinary time year II June 8 2024

Hosea 2:14, 15-16,19-20; Psalm 145, Mathew 9:18-26

Exemplifying audacious Faith

Today's gospel narrative offers compelling instances of audacious faith exhibited by two distinct individuals. The first account is of a ruler who approached Jesus, not with a plea for healing the ailing, but with an extraordinary request for the resurrection of his deceased daughter. Such a plea could only stem from a profound belief in Jesus' ability to restore life.

Upon Jesus' arrival at the ruler's residence, he encountered a crowd in mourning and informed them that the child was merely asleep. This declaration was met with laughter, despite their tears. Their reaction suggests familiarity with Jesus' miraculous healings, yet the concept of resurrecting the dead seemed beyond their expectations. Initially, they might have harbored hopes that Jesus would arrive sooner. Nevertheless, the ruler's faith remained unshaken by their skepticism, and he persisted in his invitation to Jesus to revive his daughter.

Beloved, let it be known that faith is fundamentally a personal communion with the Divine. Should those in your vicinity fail to nurture your faith, they must refrain from hindering it. Consider the woman who endured twelve years of hemorrhaging; her conviction led her to believe that merely touching Jesus' garment would suffice for her healing. She sought no dialogue with Jesus, no opportunity to convey her anguish, no request for his touch, nor did she wish for recognition from him; her sole intent was to make contact with Jesus. Such unwavering belief in the face of prolonged suffering is indicative of truly audacious faith.

Beloved, seize every chance to deepen your understanding of God, for it fortifies your faith. Faith is not conjured in moments of crisis; rather, it reveals itself amidst adversity. Absent a relationship with God during tranquil times, one may struggle to seek Him in the throes of hardship. Therefore, the cultivation of faith ought to be a continual endeavor.

God bless you all