Find Life and Restoration in Jesus

Gospel Reflection for July 10, 2023

“While he was saying these things to them, an official came forward, knelt down before him, and said, ‘My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.’ Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples. A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. She said to herself, ‘If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.’ Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, ‘Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.’ And from that hour the woman was cured.

When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion, he said, ‘Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.’ And they ridiculed him. When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose. And news of this spread throughout all that land.” (Mt. 9:18-26 NABRE)

Sometimes the situations of our lives can become so desperate that we lose all hope. We think nothing can help us, so we fall into sadness, fear, or worry.

Yet, though the people in today’s Gospel were in desperate situations, they did not lose hope. They recognized the divine power of Jesus and had faith that He could fix what was broken in their lives. The official’s daughter had died and the woman had been hemorrhaging for years and years. If either of these people had lost hope and decided to give up on seeking help, neither of them would have received the restoration they so badly needed.

Yet, they didn’t lose hope. They heard about Jesus and put their faith and trust in Him. They believed that simply His touch could bring about healing. And because of their profound and unwavering faith, Jesus brought the official’s daughter back to life, and He healed the hemorrhaging woman.

We must remember not to lose hope when we are struggling or suffering through desperate situations. We must trust in the power of our Lord to heal what has been broken in our lives. When we are tempted to lose faith, we must remember the stories of this man and woman who implored Jesus’ help. Like them, we must also go to Jesus in faith, and trust that He will mend our lives according to His will. May we seek life and restoration in Jesus.