Reflection on Today's Readings, Monday of 14th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1, July 5th, 2021
Texts: Gen. 28:10-22a; Ps. 91:1-4ab.14- I 5ab; Mtt. 9:18-26
We are reminded today that our God is a Saviour, He saves us from evil. As children of God we should not be afraid of evil. Jesus says, *"I have told you all this so that you may find peace in me. In the world you will have hardship, but be courageous: I have conquered the world"* (John 16:33). We have no reason to entertain fear if we have faith in Jesus Christ. Peace is not the absence of evil but a victory over evil. The only way to conquer evil is to have faith in Jesus Christ. The Scripture says, "because every child of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world -- our faith" (1John 5:4). It is by our faith in Jesus Christ that we conquer evil and have peace.
In today's gospel reading, the ruler and the woman of haemorrhage exercised great faith in Jesus Christ and they conquered the evils that were afflicting them. Though the daughter of the ruler was dead, he had faith that Jesus Christ could make her live again. He said *“My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live."* The ruler spoke his word out of faith; he had faith in Jesus Christ and he conquered the evil of death.
The woman who had the issue of haemorrhage also exercised great faith in Jesus Christ. The word she spoke was full of faith. She said,  “If I only touch his garment, I shall be made well.” By her faith the woman conquered the evil of sickness.
Our faith in Jesus Christ wins for us the grace to bear the challenges and troubles of this life. The attitude of Jesus Christ in the gospel reading shows that He is always at our service. Without hesitation, He followed the ruler who requested for His help to save his daughter. It is said, *"And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples."* In the case of the woman, it shows that Jesus Christ has interest in our salvation; He wants us to be in good health of mind and body. It is said, *"Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, 'Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.'”* Such word is consoling and reassuring.
In the first reading, we see God's willingness to save us from evil and dangers  in the world. God says, *"Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done that of which I have spoken to you.”* If we are faithful to God, He will keep us safe from the evil and danger of the world.
We are to live our lives in a way that shows that we have Jesus as our Saviour by not entertaining fear but entrust everything into His hands in faith. When we entrust everything into His hands in faith, we will have peace and enjoy our lives.

Lord Jesus Christ, we thank You for conquering evil for us;  grant that we may have faith strong enough to partake in Your victory over evil. Amen.

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke