The Fast Track (Mt 9:18) by Dr. Rich Reich

06 Jul The Fast Track (Mt 9:18) by Dr. Rich Reich

“Before Jesus had finished speaking to them, a synagogue leader came up.” ~ Mt 9:18 (full readings)
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Rich’s Reflections:  Before today’s Gospel, Jesus was talking about a new way of living and fasting (Mt 9:14).  Jarius approached Him and asked for Jesus to bring his daughter back to life who had recently died.  He had faith that Jesus could just lay His hands on her and she would live.  Jesus did raise the girl from the dead.  This resurrection-miracle immediately followed His healing a woman who had been hemorrhaging for twelve years.  These miracles of healing and resurrection are put in the context of Jesus’ words on fasting. This may imply that fasting according to Jesus’ will is powerful enough to heal the sick, even the long-term sick, and to raise the dead.  The key to the power of fasting lies in self-denial.  Indeed self-denial is essential to following Christ, “If anyone would be a follower of mine let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” (Mt 16:24)  In self-denial, we allow the Spirit to confront the weakness and self-indulgence of the flesh.  As the Catechism puts it, fasting and abstinence “help us to acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart.” (CCC 2043)  Fasting enables the Spirit to empower us to overcome temptations and sin.  Many of us feel helpless surrounded by a “culture of death.”  We wish we could do something to love the Lord and serve His people.  Fasting may be one of our best opportunities to express our love.  Make July a “fast month.”
* Dr. Rich Reich is the co-founder of the National LIFE Runners Team.  He is married to Erica and lives in Colorado Springs, CO.  Full bio..

Faith Challenge:   Take the “fast track” and let the Holy Spirit empower you to overcome temptation and sin.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel..
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Our Prayers: Pray LIFE Runners Creed to End Abortion.  Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, unceasingly. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
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Feast Day:  Saint Maria Goretti
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Faith Quote:  “In a fast, the body tears down its defective parts and then builds anew when eating is resumed.” ~ Herbert M. Shelton

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22