JUST HAVE FAITH AND KEEP IT
In today's first reading from the Letter to the Hebrews, Paul tells us to persevere in running the race. A great cloud of witnesses surrounds us, so let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us, while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the Leader and perfect Image of faith. This is the Jesus we see in the Gospel, removing the painful and embarrassing burden of illness from the woman with a chronic hemorrhage. This is the Jesus who takes on the heavy burden of death itself as He makes His way to the home of Jairus, where He raises the father's young daughter to life. This is the Jesus on whom we keep our eyes fixed as we celebrate Eucharist in memory of His life, death, and resurrection. We celebrate that there is no burden too heavy for Christ Himself.
Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy wrote this reflection titled, "Keep the Faith!"
I have come to the conclusion that the most important element in human life is faith. From faith, and through it, we come to a new understanding of ourselves and all the world about us. It puts everything into a spiritual focus...so that love and joy and happiness, along with worry, sorrow, and loss, become a part of a large picture which extends far beyond time and space.
In our responsorial psalm today, we acclaim, "They will praise You, Lord, who long for You." It is the soul that should live and serve. Just have faith and keep it!