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We often feel so alone, as if there is no one who really understands our pain and struggle. Hebrews assures us, however, that we are never alone but constantly surrounded by witnesses we cannot see. But there is more - Jesus was the pioneer - the one who went ahead of us to clear a path. He was willing to endure every sort of pain or shame for the sake of the joy of being with God, and he offers us that same glory. He asks but one thing: that we lay aside all that holds us back - sin, selfishness, and attachment to things - and be willing to run the race. He walks and runs beside us to give us companionship, encouragement, and strength. What more could we ask for?
Jesus healed the woman with a flow of blood and raised a little girl from the dead. These are wonderful miracles, but Jesus insisted that it needed the faith of the woman too to heal her. In the case of the little girl, the fear and grief of the people around her threatened to block the power of God. Jesus had to shut them out of the room when he healed her. Fear can imprison us and thwart God's attempts to help us, but faith opens a channel through which God's healing power can flow. With faith, we can overcome all obstacles and accomplish the impossible. Faith is absolute trust in the compassion, mercy, and power of God, while unreasonable fear is a form of unbelief. The instructions of Jesus are very simple: fear not, have faith - that is how we need to live our life.
Lord, cleanse my heart of fear.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That prisoners, especially the young, may be able to rebuild lives of dignity.
Elaboration
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