From the Deacon's Desk

Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.

There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. (Mark 5:21-43)

YOUR FAITH HAS SAVED YOU: Two examples of great faith are offered in today’s Gospel. First, a synagogue official asks Jesus to bring his daughter back to life. He has faith that Jesus can do this by simply placing His hand on her. Second, a long-suffering woman has faith she can be cured by simply touching the tassel on Jesus’ cloak. Both had total trust in the power of Jesus Christ.

Hearing of such faith makes me ashamed of my own tenuous faith. My inability to give up control sends the message to Jesus that I am not sure He can provide all that I need. Each time I ignore His help and instead rely on myself, my lack of trust is revealed.

I pray for the courage to place all my trust in Jesus, and perhaps someday hear His words: “Your faith has saved you.”