7/6/2026 (Monday) Today’s Gospel reading: Matthew 9:18-26

18 While Jesus was speaking, an official came forward, knelt down before him, and said, “My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.”
19 Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples.
20 A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak.
21 She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.”
22 Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured.
23 When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion,
24 he said, “Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they ridiculed him.
25 When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose.
26 And news of this spread throughout all that land.

7/6/2026 (Monday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Matthew 9:18-26

Life sometimes brings us to moments when human strength, resources, and solutions seem insufficient. In this Gospel passage, we encounter two people with different stories but one common hope. A grieving father sought help for his beloved daughter, while a woman who had suffered for many years quietly reached out in faith. Both discovered that no situation is beyond God’s loving power. Their stories teach us to remember the word GIRL.

G – Go to God with confidence

The synagogue leader did not allow sorrow to paralyze him. Instead, he went directly to Jesus with humility and trust. Likewise, the suffering woman moved beyond fear and approached Him with hope. Their example reminds us that when troubles overwhelm us, our first response should be to go to God rather than surrender to despair. Prayer may not always change circumstances immediately, but it opens our hearts to God’s presence and strength.

When burdens seem too heavy, bring them to the Lord. He welcomes broken hearts and listens to sincere prayers.

I – Increase your faith amid difficulties

Both individuals faced situations that seemed impossible. One confronted death, and the other had endured years of suffering. Yet neither allowed hopelessness to have the final word. Their faith was not based on what they could see but on whom they trusted.

Faith grows when we continue to believe even when answers are delayed. Sometimes God works quietly and gradually. At other times, He surprises us with unexpected blessings. The important thing is to keep trusting. Difficulties are not signs that God has abandoned us; they are opportunities to deepen our dependence on Him.

R – Reach out with perseverance

The woman could have given up after years of disappointment. The father could have accepted defeat when others dismissed his hope. Instead, both persevered. They reached out despite obstacles, criticism, and discouragement.

Many people stop praying because they have waited too long or suffered too much. But this Gospel teaches us that perseverance matters. God invites us to continue seeking Him with patience. Miracles are not always dramatic events. Sometimes they come in the form of renewed strength, peace, reconciliation, or a fresh beginning.

Never let discouragement prevent you from reaching out to God again. His compassion never grows tired.

L – Live with hope and share life with others

The restoration experienced in this passage brought joy not only to individuals but also to families and communities. God’s blessings are never meant to remain hidden. They are meant to inspire others and bring hope to those who are struggling.

We are called to live as people of hope. Encourage the discouraged, comfort the grieving, and extend kindness to those who suffer silently. Even simple acts of love can become instruments of God’s healing presence.

When we remember GIRL, we remember a message of hope:

G – Go to God with confidence.
I – Increase your faith amid difficulties.
R – Reach out with perseverance.
L – Live with hope and share life with others.

The Lord who brought healing and restoration in this Gospel is still at work today. No pain is too deep, no situation too hopeless, and no dream too broken for His loving hands. Trust Him, persevere in faith, and walk in hope. What seems impossible to us is always possible in the hands of God.

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