Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional and Bible Study – 14th Week in Ordinary time – Monday – Matthew 9:18-26

The Gospel reading from the Mass for Monday of the 14th Week of Ordinary Time is Matthew 9:18-26.

As Christ reclines at table with Matthew and others, Jairus, the ruler of the local synagogue (Mark 5:22), arrives and kneels before Christ, begging Him to raise his daughter from the dead. Jairus, a respected and powerful Jewish leader, risks his social and religious standing by publicly humbling himself before Christ and by making an impossible request. Christ, seeing the depth of Jairus’ faith and anguish, arises and goes with him.

On the way to the dead girl, a woman bleeding for 12 years, pushes through the crowd to approach Christ from behind, hoping to avoid drawing attention to herself.  Ritually impure due to her hemorrhage and an outcast from society and Temple worship, she humbly seeks only to touch the fringe Christ’s garment (faithful Jewish men wore tassels, outward reminders to keep the Commandments), faithfully seeking a miracle. Immediately, Christ turns to face her, mysteriously knowing she has touched His cloak tassel and of her specific illness,; Christ grants her a miraculous healing and salvation because of her faith.

Entering Jairus’ house, Christ dismisses those wailing over the girls’ death, saying “the girl is not dead but sleeping”; the crowd laughs at Christ. After putting them out, Christ takes the dead girl’s hand and raises her to life. Returning to life, the first thing the little girl sees is the face of God. News of the miracle spreads like wildfire.

Awed by Jesus Christ – Son of God and Almighty King, Christ exudes charisma and power, causing even powerful rulers to kneel before Him. Divine Mercy, Christ responds with compassion to the desperate and with patience to those who mock Him. Divine Physician, Christ has a supernatural awareness of illness and even the state of a departed soul; He has the knowledge and power to heal and raise the dead with a word. Divine Priest, Christ issues the New Covenant and overturns ritual purity laws that are no longer needed.

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1) Moved by the Holy Spirit, those who are open to Christ are awed when they meet Him. Marvel at the astounding faith of Jarius and the woman with the “incurable” hemorrhage and pray for the Holy Spirit to help you grow in awe of Christ.

2) Jairus’ daughter is dead and the woman with the hemorrhage is slowly bleeding to death. Reflect upon the Resurrection of the Body (CCC 988-1019) and pray for Christ to bless you with the fullness of life today and forever.

3) When you are inevitably confronted with overwhelming anguish in your life, remember that Christ responds to all who faithfully seek Him and beg for His mercy. Reflect on Christ’s willingness to answer prayers (CCC 548, 1504, 2616) and humbly pray for Christ to help you in your current and future struggles.

Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers

Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Joyful Mysteries

Daily Devotion – The Souls in Purgatory

Virtue of the Day – Prudence

Corporal Work of Mercy – To give drink to the thirsty

Spiritual Work of Mercy – To instruct the ignorant