FEAST OF ST AGATHA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR.
"After making the crossing to the other side of the sea, Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him. They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was.
Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed." (Mark 6: 53 - 56).
Monday 5th February 2024, in the 5th Week in Ordinary Time. Today is the Feast of St Agatha, Virgin and Martyr. Agatha died at the age of 20 in 251 AD under the persecution of Emperor Decius.
Along with Saints Agnes and Lucy, she is mentioned in the Roman Canon in Eucharistic Prayer 1.
Agatha is the patron saint for these causes and more:
Breast cancer, sterility, nurses, rape victims, single lay women and so on. (Source: Laudate).
In our Gospel today, Jesus and His disciples landed at Gennesaret. Mark the Evangelist informs us that the sick begged Jesus that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed." Those who touched Jesus were those who recognized Jesus.
What type of recognition are we talking about? Is it the recognition of the physical attributes of Jesus? For example: 5 feet and nine inches, small beard and mustache, white robe with red cape with no hat?
I don't think so. We think it is those who recognize Jesus as a Prophet from God who has the power to heal.
Do you recognize the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and in the Blessed Sacrament? If you do not recognize the special Presence of Jesus Christ in these Sacramental manifestations, how do you honestly expect to be healed or to have Jesus bless you in a special way?
Fear is useless. All you need is Faith.
The Gospel today may be for you. Before praying for healing or alleviation of any of your needs, ask Jesus for the gift of faith.
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-holy-family-devotion.html
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