Persevering Faith

Have you ever felt like giving up? Like the weight of life’s struggles is too much to bear? Today’s readings speak directly to those moments when faith is tested, reminding us that perseverance in faith leads to healing, renewal, and ultimate victory in Christ.

Throughout Scripture, we see that faith is not a passive belief—it’s an active trust, especially in times of suffering. In Hebrews, we are encouraged to “run the race” with endurance, looking to Jesus as the ultimate model of perseverance. Psalm 22, a psalm of lament that Jesus himself prayed from the cross, teaches us that even in deep distress, trust in God brings deliverance. Finally, in The Gospel of Mark, we witness two powerful stories of unwavering faith: Jairus, who refuses to lose hope for his daughter’s healing, and the woman suffering from hemorrhages, who reaches out in faith to Jesus and is healed.

These readings are deeply rooted in the Jewish understanding of faith as something lived out, not merely professed. In the first-century Jewish world, Jairus, a synagogue leader, would have been expected to rely solely on the Law and tradition. Yet, he humbles himself before Jesus, trusting in the power of God working through Him. Likewise, the bleeding woman, considered ritually unclean according to Levitical law, risks everything to approach Jesus, believing that just a touch of His garment could heal her. Their faith required action, courage, and persistence.

The same is true for us today. Faith is not just believing when things are easy; it’s choosing to trust even when we feel like we’re drowning in doubt, suffering, or fear. “Do not be afraid; just have faith” (Mark 5:36).

How is God inviting you to persevere in faith today?

First Reading – Hebrews 12:1-4

Running the Race of Faith

The Letter to the Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and hardship. Many were tempted to abandon their faith and return to the security of Judaism. The author of Hebrews, while unknown, exhorts them to remain steadfast, using imagery of an athlete running a race—a powerful metaphor in the ancient Greco-Roman world. In these verses, we see a call to endurance, a reminder that faith requires perseverance, and an exhortation to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who endured suffering for the sake of our salvation.

This passage fits perfectly with today’s theme: faith that perseveres and leads to victory. Just as the bleeding woman and Jairus had to trust Jesus despite obstacles, and as the psalmist praised God despite suffering, Hebrews reminds us that faith is a race that requires determination, discipline, and above all, trust in Christ.

Hebrews 12:1-4
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

God Our Father. ¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us ² while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God. ³ Consider how he endured such opposition from sinners, in order that you may not grow weary and lose heart. ⁴ In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood.

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 1:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us.”

This verse opens with a powerful image: a great “cloud of witnesses.” This refers to the heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11, figures like Abraham, Moses, and the prophets who endured hardships but remained faithful to God. The imagery is that of a stadium where past saints are cheering us on in our spiritual race.

The instruction to “rid ourselves of every burden and sin” is a call to repentance. Just as an athlete removes anything that might slow them down, Christians must shed the weight of sin and distractions that hinder their spiritual progress.

Verse 2:
“While keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God.”

The key to perseverance in faith is keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. He is both the “leader” (the one who initiates our faith) and the “perfecter” (the one who brings it to completion). His endurance of the cross is the ultimate example of faith in action. He suffered humiliation and pain, but He looked beyond it to the “joy” of accomplishing salvation for humanity.

Verse 3:
“Consider how he endured such opposition from sinners, in order that you may not grow weary and lose heart.”

This verse acknowledges that faith is hard. We will face opposition, just as Jesus did. But by meditating on His endurance, we gain strength to persist. This echoes Jesus’ words in John 16:33: “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”

Verse 4:
“In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood.”

Here, the author reminds the readers that while they have faced trials, they have not yet suffered martyrdom. This is a call to courage—if Jesus endured the cross, and if countless martyrs have given their lives for the faith, we, too, are called to stand firm against sin and adversity.

Teachings

The Catechism teaches that perseverance in faith is essential to salvation:

“Faith is an entirely free gift that God makes to man. We can lose this priceless gift; as St. Paul indicated to St. Timothy: ‘Wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting conscience, certain persons have made shipwreck of their faith.’ To live, grow, and persevere in the faith until the end we must nourish it with the word of God.” (CCC 162)

St. Augustine echoes this in his writings:

“Our pilgrimage on earth cannot be exempt from trial. We progress by means of trial. No one knows himself except through trial, or receives a crown except after victory, or strives except against an enemy or temptations.” (Sermon 2 on Psalm 60)

Historically, many saints have embodied this perseverance. St. Paul himself suffered beatings, imprisonment, and shipwrecks yet remained faithful. The early Christian martyrs, like St. Ignatius of Antioch, willingly faced death rather than renounce Christ. Their witness, like the “cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews, inspires us to run our own race with endurance.

Reflection

This passage challenges us to ask: What is holding me back in my race of faith? Are there sins or distractions that slow me down? Am I keeping my eyes on Jesus, or am I looking at the obstacles around me?

Faith is not a sprint—it is a marathon. It requires perseverance, discipline, and a willingness to endure hardships. Like the bleeding woman and Jairus in today’s Gospel, we must push past fear and doubt, trusting in the power of Christ.

Are you running your race with perseverance today? What steps can you take to deepen your trust in Jesus and stay focused on Him?

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 22:26-28, 30-32

Praise in the Midst of Suffering

Psalm 22 is one of the most profound Messianic psalms in Sacred Scripture. Written by King David, it is often associated with the suffering and ultimate triumph of Christ. In fact, Jesus Himself quoted this psalm from the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1, Matthew 27:46). Though it begins with deep anguish, the psalm shifts into confident praise, as we see in today’s selected verses.

In Jewish culture, psalms were not only prayers but hymns of communal worship. This particular psalm reflects a common biblical pattern: lament followed by trust. David, though experiencing immense suffering, proclaims that all nations will one day bow before God. This fits beautifully with today’s theme: faith that perseveres leads to victory. Just as Hebrews calls us to endure, and The Gospel of Mark highlights faith that leads to healing, this psalm reminds us that suffering is never the end of the story—praise and redemption follow for those who trust in the Lord.

Psalm 22:26-28, 30-32
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

²⁶ I will offer praise in the great assembly;
    my vows I will fulfill before those who fear him.
²⁷ The poor will eat their fill;
    those who seek the Lord will offer praise.
    May your hearts enjoy life forever!”
²⁸ All the ends of the earth
    will remember and turn to the Lord;
All the families of nations
    will bow low before him.

³⁰ All who sleep in the earth
    will bow low before God;
All who have gone down into the dust
    will kneel in homage.
³¹ And I will live for the Lord;
    my descendants will serve you.
³² The generation to come will be told of the Lord,
    that they may proclaim to a people yet unborn
    the deliverance you have brought.

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 26:
“I will offer praise in the great assembly; my vows I will fulfill before those who fear him.”

Here, David moves from lament to thanksgiving. In biblical times, when someone made a vow to God—often in the context of deliverance from suffering—they would publicly fulfill it, usually in the Temple. This verse reflects the faithfulness of one who, even in hardship, acknowledges God’s goodness and honors Him in the presence of others.

This mirrors our own call as Christians: when God delivers us, do we give Him due praise? Do we witness to others about His faithfulness?

Verse 27:
“The poor will eat their fill; those who seek the Lord will offer praise. May your hearts enjoy life forever!”

This verse speaks of divine justice. In ancient Israel, the poor and oppressed were often overlooked, but David reminds us that God provides for them. This foreshadows Jesus’ teachings in The Gospel of Matthew: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). The promise of eternal joy—“may your hearts enjoy life forever!”—points to the hope of resurrection.

Verse 28:
“All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord; all the families of nations will bow low before him.”

David prophesies a universal recognition of God’s kingship. This was radical for Israel, which often saw itself as God’s chosen nation. Yet, here we see an early glimpse of the Gospel’s mission—that salvation is for all people. This echoes Philippians 2:10-11: “At the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Verse 30:
“All who sleep in the earth will bow low before God; all who have gone down into the dust will kneel in homage.”

This poetic imagery describes how even the dead will acknowledge God’s rule. This could be interpreted as a foreshadowing of the resurrection, affirming that faith and trust in God extend beyond earthly life.

Verse 31:
“And I will live for the Lord; my descendants will serve you.”

David affirms personal dedication to God, but also the passing of faith to future generations. This is a reminder that our faith journey is not just about ourselves—it has lasting implications for those who come after us.

Verse 32:
“The generation to come will be told of the Lord, that they may proclaim to a people yet unborn the deliverance you have brought.”

Faith is meant to be proclaimed! The psalmist recognizes that future generations will hear of God’s salvation. This is our mission as Christians—to share our faith with those who come after us, ensuring that the message of Christ endures.

Teachings

The Catechism teaches that trust in God, even in suffering, is a mark of true faith:

“Faith in God the Father Almighty can be put to the test by the experience of evil and suffering. But God can reveal that by his almighty power he can even bring good out of evil.” (CCC 272)

St. Teresa of Ávila beautifully expresses this reliance on God’s providence:

“Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.”

Throughout history, this psalm has been a source of comfort for those enduring persecution. The early Christian martyrs often recited it as they faced death. Even today, persecuted Christians around the world find hope in its message—suffering may come, but deliverance and praise will follow.

Reflection

This psalm reminds us that faith is not about avoiding suffering but trusting God through it. David begins in anguish but ends in praise. Likewise, our lives may have moments of pain, doubt, and hardship, but we are called to persevere, knowing that God’s plan is greater than our struggles.

Do we praise God even in the midst of trials? Are we actively sharing our faith with future generations?

How can you shift your focus from your present struggles to the promise of God’s deliverance? What are some ways you can offer public praise for God’s faithfulness in your life?

Holy Gospel – Mark 5:21-43

Faith That Heals, Faith That Raises

The Gospel of Mark is known for its fast-paced narrative and emphasis on Jesus’ mighty deeds. Today’s passage presents two intertwined miracles—Jesus healing the woman with hemorrhages and raising Jairus’ daughter from the dead. These stories, often referred to as a “Markan sandwich,” highlight a central theme: faith that perseveres leads to healing and renewal.

In Jewish culture, both of these figures were considered outcasts in different ways. The woman with hemorrhages was ritually unclean according to Leviticus 15:25-27, meaning she was cut off from worship and human touch for twelve years. Jairus, as a synagogue official, was a respected leader, but his daughter’s death made his household impure. Yet, both of them come to Jesus in faith, defying societal expectations. Their stories reveal that Jesus is the true source of life, healing, and restoration.

This passage fits beautifully into today’s readings. Just as Hebrews calls us to perseverance and Psalm 22 shifts from lament to praise, Mark’s Gospel reminds us that faith in Jesus, even in hopeless situations, leads to new life.

Mark 5:21-43
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

²¹ When Jesus had crossed again [in the boat] to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. ²² One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet ²³ and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.” ²⁴ He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him.
²⁵ There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. ²⁶ She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. ²⁷ She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. ²⁸ She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” ²⁹ Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. ³⁰ Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?” ³¹ But his disciples said to him, “You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, ‘Who touched me?’” ³² And he looked around to see who had done it. ³³ The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. ³⁴ He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.”
³⁵ 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?” ³⁶ Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” ³⁷ He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. ³⁸ When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. ³⁹ So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” ⁴⁰ And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. ⁴¹ He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” ⁴² The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. [At that] they were utterly astounded. ⁴³ He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 21:
“When Jesus had crossed again [in the boat] to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea.”

Jesus had just returned from the Gentile region where He healed the demoniac (Mark 5:1-20). Now, back in Jewish territory, the crowd immediately gathers around Him, showing His growing reputation as a miracle worker.

Verse 22-23:
“One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, ‘My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.’”

Jairus’ act of falling at Jesus’ feet is significant. As a synagogue leader, he would have been cautious about associating with Jesus, who was controversial among religious authorities. Yet, desperation led him to humble himself and seek divine intervention. His words, “that she may get well and live”, reflect not just a hope for physical healing but a belief in Jesus’ power over life itself.

Verse 24:
“He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him.”

The crowd symbolizes the eagerness of people seeking healing, yet only those with true faith—like Jairus and the woman—will experience the fullness of Jesus’ power.

Verse 25-26:
“There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse.”

Twelve years of suffering meant this woman had likely lost everything—her health, her finances, her community, and her hope. Her condition made her ritually impure, preventing her from entering the Temple (Leviticus 15:25-27). Yet, in her desperation, she turns to Jesus, believing He can restore what was lost.

Verse 27-28:
“She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, ‘If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.’”

This is an incredible act of faith. She does not demand attention, nor does she expect Jesus to acknowledge her—she simply believes that even the slightest contact with Him will bring healing. Her faith mirrors that of Jairus, who also believes that Jesus’ physical touch has the power to save.

Verse 29-30:
“Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, ‘Who has touched my clothes?’”

The immediacy of her healing underscores Jesus’ divine authority. But rather than letting her miracle go unnoticed, He seeks her out. This moment is about more than physical healing—it is about relationship and recognition.

Verse 33-34:
“The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.’”

Jesus calls her “Daughter”, a term of deep love and restoration. This is the only time in The Gospels where Jesus uses this word to address someone directly. Her healing was not just physical—it was spiritual and social. She was no longer an outcast but fully restored.

Verse 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.’”

This is the heart of the passage. When all hope seems lost, Jesus asks for one thing: faith. His words echo throughout Scripture—“Do not be afraid.”

Verse 41-42:
“He took the child by the hand and said to her, ‘Talitha koum,’ which means, ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise!’ The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. [At that] they were utterly astounded.”

Jesus’ touch restores life. Just as the woman was healed through physical contact, Jairus’ daughter is raised by Jesus’ spoken word and touch. This foreshadows His resurrection power and the promise of eternal life for all who believe.

Teachings

The Catechism teaches that miracles are not just displays of divine power but signs that invite faith. “The signs worked by Jesus attest that the Father has sent him. They invite belief in him… He calls for faith.” (CCC 548). Jesus’ healings are deeply personal—He seeks not only to restore the body but also to draw people into relationship with Him.

St. Augustine reminds us that faith requires trust in action: “If we but touch Christ with faith, he will restore us.” The woman in today’s Gospel did not wait passively—she reached out to Jesus. Similarly, the Eucharist invites us to encounter Christ’s healing presence, receiving the grace that renews our soul.

This theme of faith and healing is echoed in the lives of the saints. St. Padre Pio, known for miraculous healings, would say: “Pray, hope, and don’t worry. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.” Faith requires perseverance, trusting that healing—whether physical or spiritual—comes in God’s perfect time.

Reflection

Faith is not passive; it calls for action. The woman with hemorrhages reached for Jesus, and Jairus refused to give up hope. Their faith moved them beyond fear and into trust.

Are we willing to trust Jesus even when healing is delayed? Like Jairus and the woman, we are called to persist, even when circumstances seem hopeless. “Do not be afraid; just have faith.”

What areas of your life need healing today? How is Jesus calling you to trust Him more deeply? Let His words encourage you to move forward in faith, knowing that He is always near, ready to restore and renew.

Do Not Be Afraid—Just Have Faith

Today’s readings paint a powerful picture of what it means to persevere in faith. In Hebrews, we are reminded that faith is a race that requires endurance, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. Psalm 22 teaches us that even in suffering, trust in God leads to praise and ultimate victory. Finally, The Gospel of Mark shows us faith in action—Jairus and the bleeding woman both demonstrate unwavering trust, and in response, Jesus brings healing and restoration.

At the heart of these readings is a simple yet profound truth: faith is not just believing in God’s power—it is trusting in His goodness, even in trials. Healing may not always come in the way or time we expect, but Jesus invites us to reach out to Him, just as the woman did. He calls us to trust, just as He reassured Jairus: “Do not be afraid; just have faith.”

No matter what burdens you carry today, Jesus sees you. He knows your struggles, your doubts, and your fears. He asks only that you trust Him, that you keep running the race, that you believe in His love.

What step of faith is Jesus asking you to take today? How can you let go of fear and embrace deeper trust in Him?

Take time to pray, to reach out in faith, and to listen to His voice. Let today’s readings remind you that no suffering is beyond His healing touch, no situation beyond His power to restore. Keep your eyes on Him, and He will lead you to victory.

Engage with Us!

We’d love to hear from you! Share your reflections in the comments—how do today’s readings speak to your heart? How is God calling you to deeper trust and perseverance in faith? Your thoughts and experiences can inspire and encourage others on their journey.

Reflection Questions

First Reading – Hebrews 12:1-4: What are some burdens or sins that might be slowing you down in your race of faith? How can you actively “keep your eyes fixed on Jesus” in your daily life?

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 22:26-28, 30-32: How does praising God, even in difficult times, shape your relationship with Him? What can you do this week to proclaim His goodness to others?

Holy Gospel – Mark 5:21-43: In what ways can you relate to Jairus or the bleeding woman? Are there areas in your life where God is asking you to step out in faith and trust Him more deeply?

May these readings remind you that faith is a journey of perseverance, trust, and unwavering hope in Christ. As you go about your day, live with the confidence that Jesus walks with you, ready to heal, restore, and strengthen your heart. Let everything you do be done in love and mercy, reflecting the faith that leads to new life in Him. Do not be afraid; just have faith!

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