Appreciating the homily of Fr. Dale yesterday and how he focused his reflection on the Gospel (Mark 5 : 21-43).
His reflection on Jesus as an "ambulatory" preacher and healer touched me deeply, as I can relate to and am inspired by Jesus' approach to evangelization. He as well emphasized the beauty of letting go, or as what I used to call it, "the grace of detachment" whether it's a material thing, position, place, or even a person, which I am always working [and struggling] on. Very timely, for these past few months was full of 'hellos' and 'goodbyes' and I had to let go of things I can't control, and hold on to what I ought to have.
Upon reflecting on the Gospel, my initial thought was that there's healing in the laying on of hands and in touching (or venerating) God's image, as long as it's done with faith and trust, and lastly through words of healing. If we notice the Gospel reading, it has 3 different scenarios which was observed by Father. Remember that number 3 is according to the Bible, reserved for God, and represents God.
Jesus healed 3 different people, through 3 different ways, in 3 different places. One was healed through laying on of hands, the second one was through touching His cloak, and third was through His Healing words "Talitha koum" which means "Little girl, I say to you, get up" (I emotionally reminisced YOUCAT International Congress in Iloilo last 2019, cuz the theme was "Young People I Tell You ARISE!, and that inflamed me to be a youth catechist). Inspired by Pope Francis when he called/encouraged the youths during the Year of the Youth to be "Callejeros dela Fe", meaning Street preachers of Faith. So young people, I tell you... RISE UP, GO, AND PREACH THE GOSPEL!
Through the reflections I heard this evening further deepened my understanding, emphasizing Jesus' MISSIONARY aspects and his role as a PILGRIM, which I'm pondering and discerning on with my daily question - WHAT AM I BEING CALLED FOR?
Jesus in the Gospel said to the synagogue official,
"Do not be afraid" (δΈθ¦θΏζ, Non abbiate paura).
WHAT AM I BEING AFRAID FOR?
Jesus' answer was "Just have Faith".
This Jubilee Year of Hope, may we be truly Pilgrims of Hope, cultivator of Hope, and an image of Hope as we are all recipients of Hope because only God can produce it, that's why it's called Theological Virtue.
As what St. Paul said,
"Hope does not disappoint [Spes non confundit]" (Romans 5:5)
and
"In Hope we are saved [Spe salvi facti sumus]" (Romans 8:24)
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