Mark 5:24-34, Colossians 1:21-23, Luke 6:1-5, Psalm 54:3-4, 6-8

Daily Meditation:  Mark 5:24-34

Mark 5:24-34

This passage speaks of the woman whose name we do not know and so represents all women in her situation.  Women who have a habitual or chronic weakness to sin.  She suffered for 12 years, she was not only living on the fringes of society since her ailment rendered her perpetually unclean, she was also robbed of all her money by doctors who were scoundrels for they were unable to heal her but made sure that she paid.  So here we have a woman who is sick physically and is considered unclean by society and is an outcast.  She is poor materially as well.  She has no hope until she hears someone speak with such conviction about Jesus and His miraculous works that it stirred hope once again.  From hope was born faith that He could heal her  and from this faith came a desire for a personal encounter with Christ and a conviction that if she could somehow get near enough without being noticed and touch the hem of His garment, she would be healed.  

Jesus never disappoints.  As she hoped and believed, so it was.  From the crowds that were pressing around Him, He was able to distinguish her purposeful touch from the others.  He made known to her that He was aware of her presence and He wanted her to witness to the crowds what her faith had obtained for her - a complete healing and God applauded her faith before the crowd.

Do I have a chronic weakness that until now I have been unable to overcome?

Do I know what my besetting sin is and am I willing to do all that is required to rid myself of it?

If I know in what areas of my life I need healing, have I taken the steps required to obtain my healing in the confessional or my healing in the confessional or by making reparation?

Am I prepared to humble myself before God and acknowledge that after exhausting all other means, I recognize that in Him alone is my salvation?

Am I prepared to witness boldly to all God has done for me?

Beloved, help me to identify those areas in my life that are not pleasing to You and grant me the grace and strength to renew my life in You.

Daily Mass Readings:  Colossians 1:21-23, Luke 6:1-5, Psalm 54:3-4, 6-8

Colossians 1:21-23

My Beloved, I remembers times in my earlier life when I was estranged from You through sin, grave sin, but You always sought me and brought me back.  Finally there came a time when I had my personal and loving encounter with You.  May I stand firm in You my Rock, my help and my salvation now and always.    

Luke 6:1-5

Beloved often I am like the Pharisees ready to find fault and cast a searching and critical eye so I can gloat self righteously.  How despicable I must seem to You.  We both know what a sinner I have been and how easily I could fall back into evil ways if Your grace and help did not constantly sustain me.

Psalm 54:3-4, 6-8

3 By your name, O God, save me; you, the Valiant, uphold my cause.

4 Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth.

6 See, God is my helper; the Lord up­holds my life.8 Freely will I offer sacrifice to you and praise your name, O Lord, for it is good.

 

GOD HIMSELF IS MY HELP.