Homily for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time: February 5, 2006

Given by the Most Reverend Stephen E. Blaire at the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Stockton.

As I look into this Church today I know that each of you in someway is like Simon's mother-in-law. You might be in physical pain or ill. There might be a deep hurt inside of you. I spoke this past week with a mother whose daughter was in an abusive relationship but she won't leave him because she says she loves him. I spoke with someone else who worked hard this past year in his business but ended up losing money because an employee embezzled the profits. I do no think there is anyone who at one time or other is not in bed with a fever.

Our faith tells us that Jesus stands before us. He is in our midst. He takes us by the hand and lifts us up. When He holds us by the hand we are able to get through whatever our pain or suffering may be.

I am always amazed at the strength people have because of their faith.

It is true. We can become discouraged like Job. “I shall not see happiness again,” he lamented. But Job did not give up and he did see happiness again.

A number of years ago I had a beautiful experience visiting Lourdes. So many people in great suffering were there hoping to be cured. I met a policeman from New York who comes every year with his wife. He was wounded in a shoot-out and is now a paraplegic. Yes, he always hopes for a cure. But he said to me: “ Every year I leave here healed. “ Not everyone is cured but we all can be healed by God’s grace if we only believe.

Jesus approached Simon’s mother-in-law, grasped her hand and helped her up.

Jesus stands in our midst, grasps our hands and helps us up.

Last Update February 5, 2006