Monday of the 14th Week of the Ordinary Time July 8, 2024 A TALE OF THREE WOMEN

Today’s Gospel passage and the first reading narrative could be seen as a tale of three women. The first woman, unnamed, was a young girl, twelve years old, who became sick and later passed away. In the case of the young girl, her father whose name was given as Jairus, a synagogue official, took the courageous step of seeking Jesus’ help. The young woman was raised to life by this encounter with Jesus.

The second woman, an older unnamed woman, had an incurable hemorrhage, rendering her impure, for twelve years. The unnamed older woman took it upon herself to receive a miracle from Jesus without his direct knowledge. She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured”.

The third woman’s name was mentioned somewhere in the scripture as Gomer, who age was unknown, was spiritually sick, she was continuously unfaithful to her husband prophet Hosea. She did not ask for help, nor did her husband. Her marriage to Hosea was used as an analogy for God’s relationship with Israel. Despite Gomer’s infidelity, idolatry, and harlotry, God commands Hosea to enter into, keep, and renew his marriage with her. The marriage became a symbol of the Lord’s relationship with Israel (Hosea 2:4-25).

These women stand for Israel, the wife of the Lord, who has gone away from her husband and becomes impure. It is only when she returns to her Master – that she will be healed of her impurities and be fruitful again. Israel, who fails to accept her Master, is like a dead person, and if the bridegroom does not raise her up, she will remain lifeless. Jesus, the Master lifts her up by hand and brings her back to life.

The tale of these women also mirrors our own experiences. Jesus welcomes everyone without conditions. According to the opening line of today’s first reading, the Lord lured the people of Israel into the wilderness to speak to their heart. The Lord speaks to the heart of all of us who approach him and he always responds to our plea for help.

Have a wonderful Week

About the Author

My name is Fr. Peter Eke, a priest of the Diocese of Gaylord, Michigan. I was called to the Catholic priesthood in July 19th, 1997. I studied Canon Law at the Pontifical Lateran University, in Rome, Italy, with JCL Degree in 2001 and JCD (doctorate) Degree in 2003. Currently, I am the pastor of Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Prudenville, Saint James in Houghton Lake, and Saint Hubert in Higgins Lake. I am also a Judge at the Marriage Tribunal in my Diocese. In my free time, I love reading, listening to music, and taking a long walk. Since my ordination my inspiring message has been “with God the oil in the flask will not dry” (1Kings 17:14).

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8 Comments

  1. Thank you Father Peter, reminds me of back in the day listening to John Michael Talbot singing “Come back to me.”

  2. What a comforting thought, “Jesus welcomes everyone without conditions.”. Thank you Father Peter!

  3. Thank you Father. Faith brings hope and hope brings healing. Wonderful reflection to start our week. Peace with you my brother.

  4. Jesus knew that someone had touched him because he felt this woman being healed. Let me always have this sort of faith. Praise you Jesus.

  5. Thank you. “Jesus.welcomes everyone without conditions” So comforting, knowing that we are welcome with all our ills.

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