NOT LOSING FAITH ON OTHER PEOPLE - 1/31/23 (Memorial of Saint John Bosco, Priest)

Mark 5:35–36

While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?” Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” 

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/01312023.cfm

Blessed Memorial of St. John Bosco! It is right that we have faith in Jesus in such a way that despite our imperfections, we will always persevere in our repentance, in overcoming temptations and in obtaining salvation. But, do we have the same faith on Christ when it comes to other people whom some may call as "hopeless"? In today's gospel reading, Jairus, a synagogue official, came to Jesus begging for the healing of his daughter. However, they discovered that she just died. Still, our Lord said, Do not be afraid; just have faith." When Jesus told the people that the child was just sleeping but not really dead, they just laughed at Him. This also reflects how we think of other people. We may be familiar with people in our lives or some people we see in the news and elsewhere, whom we may judge as hopeless. When we become aware of their numerous imperfections, mistakes and sins, we may just "laugh" at the idea that they will change. But, to have this perspective is to lack faith in Jesus. It focused too much on ourselves, as if we are the standard of goodness, which makes it easy for us to judge other people wrongly. The raising of the child from physical death also symbolizes how Christ can raise up people, even those of the worst sinners, from spiritual death. 

When St. John Bosco was just nine years old, he had a dream. In his dream, he saw children who were cursing, and he was so angry with them that he raised up his fist to threaten them. Suddenly, Jesus appeared in his dream and told him that he should approach children with patience and charity. The Blessed Virgin Mary also appeared to him showing his future ministry for taking care of children and teaching them about holiness and the faith. We don't need to look too far. Sometimes, it's easy for us to see the children in our own homes or families to be "problems." When children commit mistakes, some parents will raise up their voice and scold at them. Some children receive harmful words, and when they do, they will grow up believing these words and discourage them in their improvement. Jesus calls us to not lose our hope for these children and for other people. We can show this by being patient with them, by bearing their faults, and by loving them. Let's not forget to pray for them and to have confidence in the mercy of God. May we not lose our faith on other people because Jesus cares for every individual. May we persevere in not clinging to our sins as we imitate the love of Christ. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Saint John Bosco, Priest—Memorial:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/january-31-saint-john-bosco-priest/

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth