Faith in Action on the Fourth

 Matthew 9: 18-26

A Girl Restored to Life and a Woman Healed

¹⁸ While he was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” ¹⁹ And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. ²⁰ And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, ²¹ for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” ²² Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly^[a] the woman was made well. ²³ And when Jesus came to the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, ²⁴ he said, “Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. ²⁵ But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. ²⁶ And the report of this went through all that district.

Two wonderful examples of total belief and trust in Jesus: the ruler and the suffering woman. They serve as models for our faith-life, for our prayer, and stand with us today as we celebrate our independence in a country, a world, where violence shakes us daily, traditional values waver and weaken, and finds themselves relegated to the back shelf more and more. Time to stop this downhill spiral, put on the brakes and come to Jesus for healing.. Parades and fireworks are external expressions of our gratitude and pride for what we still enjoy, but let us also polish up our hearts and restore the goals of our founders that we may preserve a nation that is free to pursue and provide life, liberty and happiness for all. 

Bro Rene
God of compassion, we are mindful this day of the blessings you have given to us. May we be grateful for the freedoms we enjoy, and faithful to the responsibilities they demand of us. Help us to be mindful of those who cry out for your justice and mercy. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Rev. Bob Loughery, C.S.C.