Today’s readings have a common theme of what God will do in response to our faith. In the First reading, Jacob is given a promise by God in his dream, and he is told that God will bless him with land and descendants as numerous as the dust of the earth. Jacob showed his faith in him by believing in God’s promise and immediately worshipping the Lord by erecting a monument to him. In the Responsorial Psalm, the psalmist writes that the Lord said he will rescue and protect anyone who loves and trusts him.

It goes on to promise that God will be with us in trouble, and not only will he rescue us, but will also honour us and reward our faith in him. The Gospel proclamation speaks of two people who are healed and brought back to life as a result of their faith. The woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment was healed of her bleeding and Jesus said that the woman was healed because of her faith. The girl who everyone thought was dead was brought back to life because her father had faith in Jesus.

Prayer: Abba Father, give us the gift of faith. Help us to hold on to your promises with an unwavering faith. Amen.