The faith of these people rushing out to meet Jesus strikes me as I read today’s Gospel. So sure, so convicted are they in the power of Jesus that they rush to him, to bring those who are sick and desperate for his healing touch. The issues we have today as we read this reflection are quite different from the people of those days, but we are still in desperate need for his healing touch: healing in our society, healing in our homes, healing in our own hearts.

Thankfully, we do not need to chase Jesus across the countryside to reach him, he comes to us. Through the Eucharist, we can draw closer than any of the faithful from today’s Gospel could ever imagine. Remember the words of the centurion we echo at Mass ‘Lord I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.’

Next time you go to Mass, remember the urgency with which these people ran to him, remember their faith. Consider what will you bring to Jesus for his healing touch?

+Jesus, You know me better than I know myself. Help me recognise those parts of my life that need your touch, your restoration, and breathe new life into me today.

by Nattasha Mierendorf