14th Week, Ordinary Time, Monday, July 6, 2026

Reflection on the WORD

“Ridiculing Jesus” – Faith: The crowd ridiculed Jesus when He said that the official’s daughter was not dead; because He would raise her to life. Ponder on, “When Jesus’ Divine Compassion promises us that He will answer our desperate needs, do we believe in Him fully; or are we sceptical and do we ridicule Him like the crowd in today’s Gospel?”

Matthew 9:18-19, 23-26

While Jesus was speaking, suddenly one of the officials came up, who bowed low in front of him and said, ‘My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her and her life will be saved.’ Jesus rose and, with his disciples, followed him. 

When Jesus reached the official's house and saw the flute-players, with the crowd making a commotion, he said, ‘Get out of here; the little girl is not dead; she is asleep.’ And they ridiculed him. But when the people had been turned out he went inside and took her by the hand; and she stood up. And the news of this spread all round the countryside.

Today's Pointers on God's Word

As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?

  • The officer’s faith in Jesus was strong enough to believe that Jesus could raise his daughter to life if only Jesus would “lay His hand on her.”  
  • When you are in need, how strong is your faith in Jesus?  Do you put limits to what you believe that Jesus could do for you in your needs?  Is your faith strong like that of the believing officer?
  • The depth of our faith depends on how much we love and trust Jesus as the Lord of our lives.  Pray for a deeper faith and a more personal relationship with the Lord.