DAILY HOMILIES #crowd

Why do we quickly forget what God has done in the past when our expectations are unmet? Why do we abandon our admiration, faith, and devotion when our prayers are not granted? Bitterness, whether against God, others, or ourselves, dries up our faith. We stop seeing the brighter side of our situation and begin to wish for or expect only the worst. Every day is not Christmas Day; Life is a symphony of good and bad days.

Jesus asked: “Who touched me?” The disciples did not understand the question because there were hundreds of people around Jesus. Anyone could have touched Him, but not everyone had the faith to draw a miracle from Him. The church is packed full. Everyone is touching Jesus, but only those who touch with faith will go home with miracles.

For Jesus to have chosen these persons after an all-night consultation shows that God’s ways are not ours. In truth, even the “foolishness” of God is wiser than the highest human wisdom.

Are you lost at sea, unable to know where to turn? Has life been very harsh to you like it was with Elijah, who found himself fleeing from Jezebel in today’s First Reading? Has your faith in God begun to wane due to the troubles all around you? Today’s message is just for you.

Prayer is powerful, but it is not magic. When we pray, we do not exercise power and authority over God; we beg from Him. We may not always get a “yes” from God, but our prayers are never wasted. Jesus heard Bartimaeus calling, but to test him, Jesus continued to walk along. Many told Bartimaeus to keep quiet, but he shouted all the more. He would not allow the crowd to discourage him.