Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

He Still Stops – Feast of Saint Blaise

In today’s Gospel we heard two stories woven together.

A father who is desperate for his child to live.
And a woman who has been suffering quietly for twelve years.

Two people.
Two different kinds of pain.
But the same need:

“Jesus, I need you.”

Jairus falls at Jesus’ feet and begs Him to come.
The woman doesn’t even think she deserves to speak—she simply reaches out and touches the hem of His cloak.

And in both cases, Jesus stops.

He stops for the one everyone sees.
And He stops for the one everyone has ignored.

That matters.

Because sometimes we think our prayer has to be:
perfect…
loud…
or impressive.

But today’s Gospel tells us something very simple:

You don’t have to say everything right.
You just have to reach out.

That is exactly what the woman does.
And Jesus says to her:

“Your faith has saved you.”

Not your strength.
Not your explanation.
Your faith.

Saint Blaise and the Blessing of Throats

Today we honor Saint Blaise, a bishop and martyr who became known as a healer—especially of illnesses of the throat. People came to him in fear, in pain, and in hope, and he pointed them to Christ.

In a moment, you will come forward for the Blessing of Throats.

This blessing is not magic.
It is a prayer.

A prayer that says:

“Lord, this person needs You.
Touch them.
Protect them.
Heal them—body, mind, and spirit.”

So when you come forward, don’t just think about your throat.

Think about what you need Jesus to touch.

Maybe it’s your health.
Maybe it’s your family.
Maybe it’s something you’ve been carrying quietly for a long time.

Just reach out.

Because today’s Gospel reminds us:

Jesus still stops.
Jesus still listens.
And Jesus still heals.