There is a saying that states there are two things that are certain in life – death and taxes. We have heard that before; however, Jesus shows us that one of those is wrong.
Even though we must pay taxes, He has power over death. It is remarkable how the readings are laid out today. The first reading begins with a quote from Wisdom stating that God did not make death.
I think it is important to ponder that and come to a deep realization that God did not create death. It is not a part of His plan.
Think of somebody who has died. Close your eyes for a moment, if you feel comfortable. Try to picture that person, someone you knew very well who has died.
You can remember a time when they were here with us on earth and suddenly they died. Death, when it happens, has such finality to it and suddenly life is not the same. You never see that person again, you never hear that person again. Suddenly it is silent.
God did not create death. Our Lord has power over death.
In the reading, we hear of this woman who has been hemorrhaging for 12 years. The little girl He raises is 12 years old. There is a parallel He is drawing. He has power over suffering. Here He can heal the dying. Both involve touch. The woman who has been hemorrhaging for 12 years reaches out and touches Jesus’ garments. Suddenly, the bleeding stops and she is healed of her afflictions. She feels it in her body.
When Jesus heals, He heals so deeply that she can feel it in her body.
Let’s consider again the 12-year-old girl. Jesus gathers her family, gets close to her in a room, reaches out, takes her hand, and touches her saying, “Little girl, arise.” He raises her.
When we celebrate the Eucharist, you are going to be able to touch Jesus. This is amazing. When you offer the sign of peace, you reach out and shake hands or embrace each other. You are touching the Body of Christ.
We believe that God is right here, gathered together with us in our assembly. You can, at this moment, either be healed or heal the person next to you.
It is amazing. It is profound.
The other thing that happens at every Mass is that we pray for the dead. At every single Mass, we pray for those who have died. We also believe that at this Mass we are surrounded by the communion of angels and saints and those who our Lord has risen from the dead.
So, you also have the power to raise the dead.
If there is someone that you knew in this life that has died, your prayers right now can allow them to be a part of this resurrection. That happens at every single Mass. It is an amazing opportunity.
Maybe you need to be healed. Maybe something is going on physically, mentally, or spiritually that you may need healing for.
Not only do we get to touch the Body of Christ, but we also receive Him into us.
Right now, we can have one hundred miracles right here at church by receiving the Body of Christ. All it takes, as Jesus says, is faith. When everyone is wailing and mourning, He reminds them to just have faith.
I invite you today to contemplate the reality of the resurrection from the dead. Consider the power we are given to heal people and to raise people. It comes through touch, and it also comes through our faith.
Every Mass is a wonderful opportunity to pray for the wonderful gifts of healing and the gift of resurrection.
