By David Peter csc –
Readings: Is 35:1-10; Lk 5:17-26
Today, the mother Church celebrates the feast of St. Ambrose. He was a Bishop, Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church. An outstanding virtue about him is that he gave all his personal property to the poor and land to the church and immersed himself in the study of the Scriptures. The first reading foretells the coming of Christ, the Messiah.
The reading describes the transformation in the entire creation – human and nature – at his arrival. Isaiah gives us the assurance that the coming of Messiah will fill us with everlasting joy and gladness.
The central message I receive from the gospel is ‘the faith of others in my life’. The healing of a paralyzed man is not from his faith, but the faith of his friends. It is a challenge for us to be genuine friends like that.
The faith of others can save us from any kind of situation. The examples are St. Monica, mother of St. Augustine. He was living an immoral life, but his mother’s faith and constant prayer brought transformation in Augustine’s life. In Luke 7:1-10, the faith of the centurion brought healing to his servant.
Likewise, we have many examples of others faith bringing life to us. In our daily lives too, we experience people who pray for us like our parents, relatives, and friends, and sometimes even a stranger. It is their faith and love that helps us to lead our lives filled with spirit. Today, let us remember those who always pray for us and entrust them to the Lord. Let our prayers bring life and joy to others.