Mt 9:18-26 What The Lord Can Do In Life And Death

Mt 9:18-26  What The Lord Can Do In Life And Death

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When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion, he said, “Go away!  The girl is not dead but sleeping.”  And they ridiculed him.  When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose.  And news of this spread throughout all that land.

Her parents must have been shocked when they saw their baby girl rise from the dead.  We often think of miracles as medical cures.  We are right to think that way.  But what does the Lord think from his point of view.  What does He consider a miracle to be? 

Of course the Lord is interested in healing the body, but I would dare to say he is more interested in healing the soul. 

For Christ, a real miracle is an act of faith!

Chiara Petrillo dreamed of the day she would get married.  And when she did, she dreamed of the day she would have a child.  Chiara and Enrico conceived a baby girl.  But a few months into the pregnancy she was told that her baby would not survive.  She was severely deformed.  The medical team in Italy recommended that she terminate her pregnancy.  She refused.  She did well.  Who are we to determine who should live and who should die?  Let the medical team do their job.  Let the Lord do His.  The final decision must be His. 

Nine months later, Chiara gave birth on earth to a little treasure.  Thirty minutes later, the Creator gave birth in Heaven to a little treasure.  That’s what the couple said.  You see, throughout the entire time of her pregnancy, Chiara and Enrico’s faith in God only grew stronger and deeper.

They are a unique couple.  They were brought up going to Church every Sunday.  They are the John Paul II generation.  They are not afraid of anything!  They are the “Be not afraid!” generation. 

So, after a few months, the couple realized once again that they were pregnant.  Everything seemed to be going well.  But in the seventh month of her pregnancy, the doctors informed Chiara and Enrico that their second child, a boy, had no legs.  Near the end of the pregnancy, the doctors told the young couple that the child had developed life threatening abnormalities.  Again, the couple was encouraged to bail out.  Abort!  Abort!  They refused.  Soon after Davide was born, the child died.

One more funeral.  A few months after the loss of their second child, Chiara became pregnant. The pregnancy was going very well.  Chiara was going to give birth to a healthy baby boy.  But now, a new cross had arrived.  This time, there was something seriously wrong with Chiara.  A cancerous tumor was discovered on her tongue.  Without chemotherapy and radiation, her condition would only grow worse.  But the introduction of these strong chemicals could cause her to lose her baby.  Every Catholic knows (should know) there is no wrong in saving the life of a mother, even if it means the death of her child, since that is not her or anyone’s intention.

She does not need to go beyond the call of duty. 

But Chiara is not a soldier; she is a special ops soldier!  She is not a Christian; she is a radical Christian.  And radical Christians live (and die) like their founder:  "If you wish to follow me, then pick up your cross and follow."  Her faith is like that of St. Paul's: “Life is loss and death is gain.”   Chiara lives by a certain creed: “There is no greater love than this, to lay down your life for another.” 

She didn’t have to risk her life.  She didn’t even have to lay down her life.  But just like a Navy SEAL, she decided to use her body as a shield to save a life. 

Did she have a death wish?  Do soldiers want to die?  Of course not!  But they will not live at the expense of their buddies.

Chiara is not a soldier.  Chiara is a Saint!  And Saints are as beautiful as Jesus; as uncommon as valor; and as miraculous as faith and love!  They make believing look so easy!

P.S.  Did you notice the smile on her face?