Scripture: Wis 1:13-15, 2:23-24    2Cor 8:7, 9, 13-15    Mt 5:21-43

Reading From Wisconsin

• Reminds us God does not bring death or rejoice in destruction
• Evil, intolerance come through humankind – not God
• God does not create illness or suffering but is with us through it all

Today’s Readings speak of life

• Our most precious gift 
• From womb to tomb – unborn to the elderly – gifted, disabled – every color, race, creed
• From everyone’s first breath to last

God’s Desire

• We know, love and serve him
• To know God is to freely surrender – Put your trust and faith in Him at all times
• Struggles test our faith – family issues, health, job , marriage, death
• God never abandons – Wraps arms around us even tighter

America’s got talent – a contestant

• Thirty year old woman with terminal spine, lung and liver cancer performed original song It’s Okay
• Jane said, “I am so much more than the bad things that happened to me…You can’t wait until lie isn’t hard to be happy.” 
• Jane sees the value of life – She “walks by faith and not by sight” (2Corinth 5:7)

In Today’s Gospel

• The synagogue official and the hemorrhaging woman
• Jarius could have dismissed Jesus when hearing of daughter’s death
• Jesus was there to show His gift of life for all at the house and for us
• For twelve years hemorrhaging woman used her resources for doctors with no help
• Outcast woman, breaking social rules was not willing to throw in the towel
• In faith and trust, touched His cloak and was healed
• Each morning I pray, “Lord, I do not know what this day holds, help me to put my faith and trust in you.”

Today

• We gather to give thanks and praise to our God
• Let us trust in Jesus’ physical and spiritual healings of our struggles – mending our body and soul
• Let us be a healing instrument to others who are struggling
• Believe in the words found in scripture: be not afraid, trust in the Lord, walk by faith, value others, and choose life. 

Questions for Reflection

• What impacted you from today’s Readings and/or homily?
• Have you been able to surrender yourself to God? In what circumstances? What was that like?
• When have you walked by faith and not by sight? Are you able to do it in a consistent manner? If not, what would help you?

Live Connected

• Reflect upon your life; identify times when Jesus has been a healing instrument of your struggles.  Share it with another person.