January 30, 2018 Tuesday in the 4th Week in Ordinary Time-B

2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14, 24-25, 30-19:3

Psalm 86

Mark 5:21-43

“Do not be afraid, just have faith.”  Mk. 5:36

Lord, the common element between these two stories is the faith of Jairus and the afflicted woman.  Both had their faith challenged by circumstances.  Jairus was told it was too late for a healing for his daughter because she had died.  The woman saw no way to get your attention because of the great crowd.  Even your disciples doubted.  Yet both people persevered in what faith they had and didn’t let bad news or the crowd cause them to give up.  Death is no obstacle for you.  Nor is a cultural taboo about contact with a hemorrhaging woman.  Lord, thank you for the gift of faith.  Increase my faith in you and help me not to be discouraged when things don’t go as I expect or desire.  Banish any fear in my heart or any expectation of failure.  You have promised that faith always gets your attention.  Hear my plea today, dear Jesus, for I believe that my faith can heal and save me.  Amen.