Years ago, I stumbled upon a captivating image of a bride and groom kneeling before the altar on their wedding day. Little did the groom know, his friends had playfully written “HE” on the sole of his left shoe and “LP” on his right shoe, creating a hidden message that spelled out “HELP!” when combined. It was a lighthearted moment amidst the solemnity of the occasion.
In today’s Gospel passage (Matthew 15:21-28), Jesus was amazed by the faith of a Canaanite woman who believed that her daughter would be healed. She teaches us a profound lesson through her simple yet powerful prayer: “Lord, help me.”
The truth is, we all need God’s help. When we neglect to acknowledge Him, try to handle everything on our own, and lose sight of our true purpose, we veer off course. Let us never forget that there is a God, and we are not Him. We rely on Him for healing, enlightenment, guidance, and protection.
HEAL. Our bodies, minds, and souls all require God’s healing touch. We seek restoration from physical ailments, emotional wounds, and broken relationships. Through prayer and unwavering faith, God can mend our brokenness. Let us approach Him with humility and utter these words: “Heal me O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.” (Jeremiah 17:14)
ENLIGHTEN. Many of us carry heavy burdens and navigate through life’s challenges. Our hearts are burdened with negative emotions, and our spirits are tested by temptations and setbacks on our spiritual journey. In the midst of darkness, loneliness, and fear, we must remember that we are not alone and that we need not face these trials alone. Heed the words of the Lord: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
LEAD. We require guidance and direction in a world consumed by chaos and distractions. Amidst the noise and busyness, we run the risk of losing our way. We need Him to lead us back when we stray due to our selfish desires and pride. When we stumble and fall, it is He who lifts us up and sets us on the right path. Today, let us listen to the Lord’s assurance: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)
PROTECT. God shields us from harm and danger. It is essential to stay by His side where we find safety, refuge, and strength. He cares for us like a shepherd tending to his flock. Regardless of the darkness we may face, we need not fear because He is always with us. Let the comforting words of Psalm 23:4 echo in our hearts: “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
In order to trust more and worry less, let us pray more and think less. Choose to smile more and frown less.
Last Saturday, I had the privilege of blessing Lola Carmen, a vibrant 92-year-old woman, in her car. This encounter always filled me with joy, as I would also share jokes with her, just as I did with my mother. However, after I prayed over her, she asked me to bring her Holy Communion to her car, and I gladly obliged. She bid me farewell with a smile. The next day, I learned that she had passed away. Let us pray for the soul of Lola Carmen.
On August 18, we lost a beloved priest, Msgr. Bobby Mejia, who peacefully passed away in his sleep. He was my cousin, a humble, simple, prayerful, and saintly man of God. Let us remember him in our prayers.
Yesterday, August 19, we celebrated the feast of St. Ezekiel Moreno, the patron saint of cancer patients. St. Ezekiel played a significant role in my own healing from cancer in 2018. Muchas gracias, Saint Ezekiel!
Take a moment to connect with the Lord. Pray for His healing, enlightenment, guidance, and protection. Cry out for His help, for we are in constant need of His divine assistance. Amen.
If you’d like to reach out to me and share your thoughts, you can email me at [email protected].
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