YEAR OF MISSION THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

The longer version of this Sunday’s Gospel is worth reflecting on because it reveals to us something about Jesus’ mission. Notice in both encounters – the daughter of Jairus and the woman with the haemorrhage – we are dealing with untouchables: sickness and death, and someone bleeding. Jesus would find himself excluded and ritually unclean if he comes into so close a contact with these two people. Nevertheless, Jesus doesn’t feel constrained or restricted in his outreach in any way. He touches and he’s not afraid to touch. The healing, life-giving touch of the Lord cannot be contaminated. If anything it is those who encounter Jesus who are truly ‘affected’ by the life and healing he seeks to bring. Mark’s Gospel speak of God’s nearness in our brokenness and fragility, not his distance. Whose life will you touch this week? Wherever you find yourself this week be something of the boldness and daring of Jesus. Be the touch of Jesus, the outreach of Jesus, the closeness of Jesus… even towards today’s ‘untouchables’.  

Categories: 

More News

Saint Mary Magdalene

July 16, 2024

Saint Mary Magdalene’s Story

Except for the mother of Jesus, few women are more honored in the Bible than Mary Magdalene. Yet she...Read more

Certificate in Catechesis: The Clifton Ministry Skills Programme

July 15, 2024

We are now actively seeking to recruit for the next Pastoral Ministry Formation course which begins in the Autumn 2024. The course is ideal...Read more

Saint Benedict

July 5, 2024

Saint Benedict's Story

It is unfortunate that no contemporary biography was written of a man who has exercised the greatest influence...Read more