Embracing the adventure of faith when all else fails

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

THAT part of the Gospel about the ruler whose daughter had died and the woman suffering from a long illness (Mt. 9:18–26) offers us a powerful lesson on faith, hope, and complete trust in Christ.

Though their situations were different, both individuals shared one thing in common: they turned to Christ when all human solutions had failed. Their confidence in Him transformed their desperation into deliverance, something that we should learn to do also.

The ruler publicly pleaded with Jesus to restore his daughter to life, despite the seemingly impossible situation. The woman, on the other hand, quietly approached Him through the crowd, convinced that simply touching His garment would bring healing. Both acted with unwavering faith, and both received the miracle they sought.

Their example reminds us that whenever we encounter trials beyond our strength, our first response should be to seek Christ. Rather than allowing ourselves to be consumed by sadness, self-pity, or discouragement, we should place our trust in the One for whom nothing is impossible. Even when a solution does not come immediately, God’s providence assures us that His plans always lead to our ultimate good, whether in this life or in eternal life.

We naturally experience limitations, not to mention our weaknesses. We face illness, suffering, failure, disappointment, and eventually death. Yet deep within us is a longing that reaches beyond these earthly boundaries. This desire reflects the truth that we are not merely physical beings. We have been created with both body and soul, destined not only for this world but also for eternal communion with God.

Because of this, our lives are guided by more than physical, social, or economic principles and realities. Above every human law is the law of grace—the supernatural gift that enables us to share in God’s own life.

Grace strengthens us to overcome our weaknesses without denying our humanity. It allows us to see life’s difficulties from the perspective of faith and to trust that God’s love is always at work, even when we cannot fully understand His ways.

Learning to live by grace means becoming comfortable with the reality that our earthly journey includes moments of helplessness. Instead of fearing these moments, we can view them as opportunities to surrender more completely to God’s providence. Yes, when we refer everything to God, even our limitations, weaknesses and the other negative elements in our life will work for the good. (cfr. Rom 8,28)

When we reach the limits of our own abilities, His mercy begins to accomplish what we never could on our own. So, rather than wasting time complaining about our circumstances or feeling defeated, we are invited to embrace the adventure of faith.

God knows our struggles, understands our fears, and continually guides us toward a greater good. Even when life seems filled with contradictions, His wisdom and love remain constant.

The Gospel assures us that our limitations and the evils of this world do not have the final word. God’s mercy, His providence, and His boundless love are greater than every hardship we face. As Christ raised the ruler’s daughter and healed the suffering woman, He also offers us the hope of new life.

Whenever we reach the limits of our strength, let us confidently place ourselves in God’s hands. Through Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, He leads us beyond despair toward hope, beyond weakness toward grace, and ultimately beyond death to the promise of eternal life.

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com