💖 HOMILY - FEBRUARY 4 💖

First Reading - Hebrews 12:1-4 

Gospel - Mark 5:21-43

Technology has made life easier and more convenient. We take pride in medical advancements that bring healing, in modern inventions that provide comfort, and in the speed at which we can travel, communicate, and work. Yet, despite all these achievements, we remain imperfect, fragile, and mortal. No matter how advanced we become, sickness still strikes, suffering still exists, and death remains inevitable. Our limitations remind us that while human progress is remarkable, it is not enough. We need something greater—we need the mercy and compassion of God. The readings today invite us to deepen our faith so that we can experience God’s love and, in turn, share it with others.  

The first reading from the Letter to the Hebrews continues its reflection on faith, but today the focus shifts to Jesus as the model of endurance. The author encourages the readers to "keep their eyes fixed on Jesus," meaning to follow His example in faith and action. Jesus did not give up despite suffering, and He remained faithful even to the point of death. Because of His perseverance, He has become the source of our salvation. This passage assures us that if we remain faithful and endure hardships like Jesus, we will receive the reward of eternal life.  

The Gospel presents two powerful miracles—the healing of the woman with a hemorrhage and the raising of Jairus' daughter. These miracles highlight the power of faith and the boundless compassion of Jesus. The woman, who had been suffering for twelve years, believed that touching the cloak of Jesus would heal her. She was an outcast due to her condition, but Jesus did not reject her; instead, He acknowledged her faith and restored her. Similarly, Jairus, a synagogue official, came to Jesus in desperation when his daughter was near death. Even when people told him that it was too late, Jesus reassured him, "Do not be afraid; just have faith." And with a simple command, He raised the little girl to life.  

These two miracles demonstrate that human means have limits, but God’s power has none. The woman had spent everything she had on doctors, but nothing worked—until she placed her faith in Jesus. Jairus, despite being a respected religious leader, was helpless in the face of death—until he trusted in Jesus. Their faith unlocked the healing and life-giving power of God.  

The compassion of Jesus is at the heart of these miracles. The word "compassion" comes from the Latin *cum passio*, meaning "to suffer with." Jesus does not simply heal from a distance; He enters into people's suffering. He recognizes the pain of the woman and calls her "daughter," restoring not only her health but also her dignity. He takes the hand of Jairus' daughter and gently lifts her back to life. Jesus is not moved by power or social status—He is moved by faith and by the genuine suffering of those who seek Him.  

The readings today challenge us in two ways. First, they invite us to strengthen our faith in Jesus, who leads our faith to perfection. We are reminded that, unlike human advancements, God never fails. Science can cure some diseases, but it cannot heal a broken soul. Technology can make life comfortable, but it cannot give eternal life. Only faith in Jesus offers true hope.  

Second, we are called to imitate Jesus in His compassion. To be compassionate means to enter into the suffering of others, to walk with them in their struggles, and to extend a helping hand. Just as Jesus healed the sick and raised the dead, we too are called to bring hope and healing to those who are hurting. Whether through a kind word, a generous act, or simply being present for someone in need, we can reflect the compassionate love of Christ.  

Let us, then, fix our eyes on Jesus—the source of our faith and the model of our compassion. Let us trust in Him, knowing that while human efforts may fail, God's mercy never does. And as we experience His love, may we extend it to others, so that through us, they too may encounter the healing power of Christ. May God give us the grace to trust in Him and to live with the same compassion that Jesus showed to all.