Reflect today on the desire in people's hearts to heal and see Jesus

Whatever village or city or country he entered, they laid the sick in the markets and begged him to touch only the tassel of his cloak; and all who touched him were healed.

It would have been truly impressive to see Jesus healing the sick. People who have witnessed this have clearly never seen anything like it before. For those who were sick, or whose loved ones were sick, each healing would have a powerful effect on them and their entire family. In Jesus' time, physical illness was obviously much more concerning than it is today. Medical science today, with its ability to treat so many diseases, has lessened the fear and anxiety of getting sick. But in Jesus' time, serious illness was a much greater concern. For this reason, the desire of so many people to bring their sick to Jesus so that they could be healed was very strong. This desire moved them to Jesus so that "they could only touch the ribbon of his cloak" and be healed. And Jesus did not disappoint. Although Jesus' physical healings were undoubtedly an act of charity given to those who were sick and their families, it was obviously not the most important thing Jesus did. And it is important for us to remember this fact. Jesus' healings were primarily for the purpose of preparing people to hear His Word and ultimately receive spiritual healing of the forgiveness of their sins.

In your life, if you were seriously ill and given the option of receiving physical healing or receiving spiritual healing of the forgiveness of your sins, which would you choose? Clearly, the spiritual healing of the forgiveness of your sins is of infinitely greater value. It will affect your soul for all eternity. The truth is that this much greater healing is available to all of us, especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In that Sacrament, we are invited to "touch the tassel of his cloak," so to speak, and to be spiritually healed. For this reason, we should have a much deeper desire to seek Jesus in the confessional than the people of Jesus' day had for physical healing. Yet, too often we ignore the priceless gift of God's mercy and healing offered so freely to us. Reflect, today, on the desire in people's hearts in this Gospel story. Think, in particular, of those who were seriously ill and their ardent desire to come to Jesus for healing. Compare that desire in their hearts to the desire, or lack of desire, in your heart to rush to our Lord for the spiritual healings your soul so desperately needs. Try to fuel a greater desire for this healing, especially when it comes to you through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

My Healing Lord, I thank you for the spiritual healing you continually offer me, especially through the sacrament of reconciliation. I thank you for the forgiveness of my sins due to your suffering on the Cross. Fill my heart with a greater desire to come to You to receive the greatest gift I could ever receive: the forgiveness of my sins. Jesus I believe in you.