By Charles Igwe
Pope Leo XIV has encouraged the faithful to turn to Jesus as the source of healing and hope, especially in moments of pain, discouragement, or loss. Speaking at his Wednesday General Audience in the Vatican, the Pope continued his catechesis on the Jubilee theme “Christ our Hope,” reflecting on two Gospel miracles that underscore the transformative power of faith.
“In life there are moments of disappointment and discouragement, and there is also the experience of death,” the Pope said. “Let us learn from that woman, from that father: let us go to Jesus. He can heal us, He can revive us. Jesus is our hope!”
The Holy Father focused on two stories from the Gospel of Mark. The first, a woman suffering from a chronic illness who had been marginalized by society, reaches out to touch Jesus in a crowd — a simple gesture rooted in faith. Her act is met with healing, as Jesus tells her: “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”
The second miracle recounts the story of Jairus, a synagogue leader whose daughter is presumed dead. Moved by Jairus’ faith, Jesus assures him: “Do not be afraid; only have faith.” Upon arriving at the house, Jesus says the girl is not dead but sleeping, then raises her to life.
“These two episodes show us that when we turn to the Lord with trust, nothing is beyond His capabilities,” the Pope said. “Jesus not only heals sickness — He awakens from death. For God, who is Eternal Life, the death of the body is like sleep. But the true death we must fear is that of the soul.”
Pope Leo also drew attention to a detail often overlooked: after bringing Jairus’ daughter back to life, Jesus instructs her parents to give her something to eat — a simple but profound gesture. “It reminds us of how closely Jesus identifies with our humanity,” the Pope said.
Reflecting further, he challenged parents and caregivers to consider whether they are spiritually nourishing the young people in their lives. “When our children are in crisis, do we know how to feed their spirit? And how can we, if we ourselves are not nourished by the Gospel?”
The Pope also noted how grace often works quietly. “Sometimes we are unaware of it, but in a real and hidden way, grace reaches us and transforms us from within,” he said.
He warned against approaching Jesus superficially. “Perhaps today many walk across the floors of churches, but their hearts are elsewhere,” he said.
Concluding his reflection, Pope Leo said these Gospel miracles offer a clear message: “Nothing is too great for Jesus to heal. Let us go to Him — He alone can make us new.”
