13TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Royston Albert Fransen, British high diver and stuntman, jumped from the top of a 100 foot tower into a small tank of water three times a day for 40 years until his death in 1985 during a performance. He was 69.

Imagine how much faith it took to step off that tiny platform into midair, watching the upturned faces of the crowd that has come to see you jump. Taking a leap of faith is risky.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the suffering woman, “Your faith has made you well.” As he heads for the supposedly dead little girl’s house, he says, “Do not fear, only believe.” These are challenging words that lead us to ask ourselves: How strong is our faith? Are we ready to take that leap?”

Deacon Dick Folger