If I Can Just Touch Him: Resting in the Presence of God

If I Can Just Touch Him: Resting in the Presence of God Today’s Homily reflects on two Scripture passages . . . . . . a vision of Jacob at Bethel and the Gospel story of the raising of the official’s daughter and the healing of the woman with the hemorrhage. The Homily begins by exploring the nature of a shrine, emphasizing Jacob’s recognition of God’s presence and the spiritual importance of resting in a holy place. Jacob’s dream of a ladder connecting heaven and earth becomes a symbol of God’s grace descending and the soul ascending. In the Catholic tradition, this ladder is often identified with Mary, who brought Christ into the world and continues to be a spiritual bridge between heaven and earth. The Homily then turns to the Gospel, highlighting the deep faith of the Jewish official who believes Jesus can restore his dead daughter, and the desperate yet confident faith of the woman who believes that even touching Jesus’ garment can heal her. Their stories emphasize the transformative power of physical contact with the Lord. This culminates in the sacrament of the Eucharist, where the faithful come forward to be physically touched by Christ, receiving healing and grace. All the faithful are urged to rest and make a true thanksgiving after communion, allowing the grace of Christ’s touch to fully penetrate their lives. How? Listen more to this Meditation Media. Listen to: If I Can Just Touch Him: Resting in the Presence of God -------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote From The Homily . . . the Lord gives us his blessing. The Lord gives us his goodness, but we never fully receive it. We see it as it comes to us, but so much of life calls us away so quickly. We end up laying it aside or only receiving it partially. Jacob in this reading shows us something different because he rests in this place. -------------------------------------------------------------------- The Woman with an Issue of Blood: French Painter: James Tissot: 1886 This painting resides at The Brooklyn Museum. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Matthew 9: 18-26 First Reading: Genesis 28: 10-22