Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

After suffering for twelve years from hemorrhages, a woman believed that wellness would come if she touched Jesus’ cloak. Imagine her fear when He turned around to face her and said to have courage. Following her miraculous cure, Jesus rewarded faith again by bringing an official’s daughter back to life. Giving the Twelve authority to preach and heal in His name, Jesus sent them forth with the instruction not to pack even money or a change of clothes. They would not always encounter welcome and receptiveness as they preached the Kingdom of heaven at hand. When unable to flee persecution, they would have to trust the Holy Spirit to tell them what to say. We often don’t know the words that people in our lives need to hear. Do we ask the Lord to touch our hearts with courage and inspiration to say the right thing?