In the early morning light, I ponder the beauty of a quiet house at rest: the sweet sounds of sleeping children stirring gently, the low hum of slow, deep breaths. I reach for the small Crucifix by our bedside. The edges of the wood are slightly worn from all the years it has been in our family. Before I rise I kiss the Crucifix. I ask for strength for the day. I ask for blessings. I ask for peace. It is a simple prayer, but with it, I am reminded of my place.
God calls me His daughter. I am loved, known, and seen. I am not alone. I am not without my Beloved Jesus, not even for a moment. Every ache, every smile, every task is all His. All humbly offered at His feet, and I watch with joy as He makes it all holy. I am reminded that every drop of His Most Precious Blood was shed for love of me, and love of all those I love. I can rejoice on this day because I have encountered the Lord.
I invite you to contemplate the hemorrhaging woman in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 8. Contemplate the encounter with Christ that healed her, saved her, and set her free. She had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years, cast aside and forgotten by the community, no longer seen or spoken to by those around her— surrounded by people but feeling deeply alone, as no one met her gaze anymore. Sorrow had overwhelmed her heart as hope began to fade, because doctor after doctor couldn’t heal her.
Then she hears of Jesus, and she comes up behind Him, afraid of being seen, burdened by years of shame and loneliness. She reaches out and touches the hem of His garment, and she is immediately healed of her affliction. But Jesus gives us abundance and does not only heal our physical bodies— he heals our very souls. He asks who touched Him. When she realizes that she could no longer hide, that she cannot hide from the Lord, she comes trembling before Him. He meets her gaze. He looks at her and for the first time she feels seen. He calls her daughter. She belongs. She is loved. “Daughter, your faith has saved you; go in peace” (Luke 8:48).
Dear sister, I encourage you to seek an encounter with the Lord today. You are His daughter, and the flames of His Heart will consume your every sorrow and transform you. Reach out to Him and be healed. Let His gaze fall upon you and find rest. Be reminded of your place as the daughter of the King of the Universe.
Seek an encounter with the Lord today. #BISblog #prayerpledge // -->> CLICK TO TWEET
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Let Us Pray
Jesus, You are the healer. I give You everything.
For Discussion
What is a simple way you can start the day with the Lord?
Where do you desire healing?
Leana Bowler is a wife and mother of eight little ones. She is a Holy Rosary enthusiast with deep devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Her love for the message of Divine Mercy led her to become a Marian Missionary of Divine Mercy. She enjoys the miracles of family life, strong coffee, and encountering others on this journey to sainthood. She was a contributing author to And Hay Became Holy and Made New: 52 Devotions for Catholic Women.
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