YEAR B: HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE FOURTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (1)
YEAR B: HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE FOURTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
HOMILY THEME: DIVINE TOUCH
BY: Fr. Benny Tuazon
(Mt. 9:18-26) Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
In today’s Gospel we have two miracles involving a woman who was seriously ill and a daughter who believed to have died. The woman had so much faith that the mere touch of Jesus’s cloak was enough for her to be healed. On the other hand, the father of the child begged the Lord Jesus to just lay His hand on his daughter. The woman was healed and the girl was brought back to life. Both happened because of their faith and the touch of Jesus.
What is in a touch? Is it the touch? Much had been said about the healing benefits of a touch. That tender physical contact may actually mean a lot. There is a big difference between the touch of a doctor and a rapist, a masseur and and a holdupper, a mother and a prostitute. Touch is a powerful gesture. But the intention we bring with it matters a lot. With Jesus, He brings with it forgiveness and love. In most cases it is manifested by physical healing. These healings were awesome. One was healed from a 12-year sickness. The other was brought to life or awaken from "sleep". But the effect they had on the woman and the family, relatives and friends of the child is more important. How they will respond to the miracles was Jesus' concern. Whether we are the beneficiaries or witnesses to the healing miracles of Jesus, do we respond in faith? Are we closer to and trusting of the Lord?
Admittedly, there are some who are only after the miracles. For a time, after the miracle, they will be pious and thankful. Unfortunately, it fades and wanes. The best way to be thankful to God is to respond with deeper faith. Our relationship with Jesus did not end with the miracle. Rather, it should pave the way for a better and closer relationship with Jesus. Nothing was said about the woman and the father. But the story of faith continues. We are the directors now. How should the woman and the father respond? The answer now depends on us.
