The Catholic Calendar for Monday, July 4, 2005
Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Elizabeth of Portugal

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 28:10-22
Psalm 91:1-4, 14-15
Matthew 9:18-26

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's Gospel is one of my favorites because it illustrates two important points; first, the incredible loving concern that Jesus has for us in our afflictions; and two, the great value of perseverance and faith.

Now, to many, the story of the woman who suffered hemorrhage for 12 years doesn't sound like an instance where (if you were Jesus) you'd display your power. After all, she was “only a woman”, her problem was not life-threatening, and she transgressed all conventional rules by appearing in public. In the truest sense for the Jews of her time, she was “unclean.” Yet, Jesus paid attention to her, understood the tremendous effect that her malady had on her entire sense of wellness and responded with unprecedented love.

For her part the woman was willing to take a chance and received healing. It begs us to consider what it is that interferes with our sense of well-being, what it is that keeps us isolated and apart from others as if we were unclean, and to take the same risk as the woman did to seek the healing grace of Jesus.

O Lord, all my hope is in Your mercy.

- Donna Raye Nelson, OCDS
(drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

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