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Good morning, everyone! This will be my last readings post for a couple of weeks. I'll be in and out today, but after 4:30, y'all are on your own. I really think that a daily dose of scripture in here is good for us all, so I hope someone picks up the torch.

Good readings and meditation today ... I think we can all enjoy this one.

Please keep my wife, Dianne, and our soon-to-be-born child in your prayers tonight and through the day tomorrow. Specifically, for a healthy baby, a healthy wife, and that the induction procedure will go as planned and that she won't spend 11 hours in labor like last time. Ouch! :o(

Tuesday, February 5, 2002
St. Agatha, Virgin, Martyr (Memorial)

First Reading:
Responsorial Psalm:
Gospel:

2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14, 24-25, 30; 19:1-3
Psalm 86:1-6
Mark 5:21-43

Jesus Christ, Lord of all things! You see my heart, you know my desires. Possess all that I am - you alone. I am your sheep; make me worthy to overcome the devil.

-- St. Agatha

Imagine what might have gone on in the mind of the synagogue leader Jairus before he came to Jesus for help. Maybe he had struggled with thoughts like, "A man of my position can't go begging to a carpenter-turned-preacher!" And what about the hemorrhaging woman? After twelve years of sickness, what hopeless thoughts and fears did she have to overcome before pressing through the crowd and reaching out to touch Jesus' cloak?

Whatever their challenges, both Jairus and the hemorrhaging woman chose to trust Jesus by taking a bold step of faith. Because they believed in what they had not yet seen, both of them received the reward they had sought: Jairus saw his daughter raised back to life, and the woman was instantly healed and sent away with a blessing from the Son of God!

This man and woman give us two powerful examples of the kind of faith that Jesus calls each of us to develop. Haven't we all been in situations before where we were reluctant or afraid to take action because it meant taking a risk? Maybe we weren't ready to step out of our comfort zones. Maybe we worried what other people might think about us. Maybe we were afraid we might fail. What about offering to pray for healing with a sick neighbor? Would we do it if we thought that Jesus was inviting us to? He has been known to put these inspirations into people's hearts sometimes! And when we do step out and take a risk, we often find that people receive this outpouring of love gladly, if a bit nervously. Even better, we might find that God touches them through our prayer and the witness of our calm trust in Jesus.

Today, let Jesus know that you will be looking out for any inspirations he wants to give you. Tell him you want to overcome your fears and hesitations and act on them. Ask him for the grace to step out in faith as he directs. Just knock and the door will be opened--a door that leads to deeper faith and intimacy with Jesus for you and to untold blessings for others.

"Jesus, please speak to my heart today. Give me ears to hear you and recognize your direction. Help me to grow in active, confident, risk-taking faith. I trust in your goodness and mercy."

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Have a great day, everybody!