His Cloak
Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Matthew 9: 18-26 While Jesus was speaking, 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.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“Jesus rose and followed him…”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Knowing the context of a Scripture passage helps us to understand its meaning. This is certainly true of today’s Gospel reading from Matthew chapter 9. Matthew 9 starts out with Jesus healing a paralyzed man who “rose” from his physical illness and followed Jesus’ instruction to go home. Then it continues with the call of Matthew who “rose and followed” Jesus after being healed from his spiritual sickness. Then comes this story of Jesus who, very interestingly, also “rose and followed” a man in need who sought Jesus’ help in faith.
Matthew is telling us something here. Jesus is compelled by faith. What moves the physically and spiritually paralyzed men in Matthew 9 is Jesus’ power. What moves Jesus in Matthew 9 is a weak man’s faith. Some of the greatest saints remark that God seems almost overpowered or bound by sincere faith. When we have faith, God moves! Beg God in prayer for a sincerer, a truer, a more radical trust in Him.
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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