Today’s first reading recalls the death of Absalom, King David’s son (1 Samuel 18:9-10, 14b, 24-25a, 30-19:3). To David’s loyal soldiers, Absalom’s fall might have seemed like a victory that would restore the king’s peace. But David did not rejoice. Instead, he wept bitterly, longing not for his son’s destruction but for his repentance and return to the right path, projecting a father’s heart grieving what power could not heal. Similarly, today’s Gospel (Matthew 8:17) presents Jairus’ daughter and the woman (not identified with any name) afflicted with hemorrhages; two lives restored through Jesus’ compassionate touch. That unnamed woman could be you or me.
During yesterday’s celebration of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, I partly reflected on how Jesus fully entered into the human story, embracing our condition and sanctifying it through his presence. Clarifying that point further, where David could only mourn, Jesus enters and transforms with mercy, bringing life where there was death and hope where there was despair.
Brothers and sisters, healing, both physical and spiritual, is the deep desire of every human heart, and it flows from the very heart of God, a heart overflowing with compassion and love. As we remember St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, and patron for those suffering illnesses of the throat, we lift in prayer all who are sick in our community and beyond. Just as Jesus walked among his people, healing the afflicted and raising the dead, we pray today that those who suffer bodily pain may receive physical restoration, and that those wounded by sin may find forgiveness and renewal. Additionally, we pray that we may all grow toward a healthier spiritual and bodily wholeness, rooted in God’s mercy. Amen.
