Mark 5:21-43. Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, "Who touched my clothes?"
This reading from Mark initially struck me as two stories about Jesus’ continued miracle workings: his healing of a woman who had suffered an ailment for 12-years and the healing of a young girl, 12-years of age. Upon further reflection, this passage speaks to me as a message regarding the importance of persistence and keeping the faith, allowing Jesus’ healing powers to shine through in our daily lives.
Even though the sick woman has lost all of her money, due to failed medical treatment, and has been confined to her home, out of discomfort and shame of her condition, she has not lost her faith in Jesus. She courageously makes her way to town, in all of her pain, also risking public persecution. She boldly touches Jesus, fully confident of his healing powers, and she is cured. However, Jesus tells the woman it is her faith which has cured her, not his magical powers.
34: ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.’
In contrast, Jairus, a leader of the local synagogue and father of the ailing girl, does not seek out Jesus until he hits a point of desperation. Jairus asks Jesus to come visit his daughter, who is thought to be dead at that point. Upon his arrival at the family home, Jesus encounters a group of people causing a commotion and placing blame regarding the young girl’s condition. Jesus casts away these naysayers; the young girl is saved. 36: ‘Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, do not fear, only believe.’
In this season of Lent, a time when we are challenged to give up things, or behaviors, that distance us from God, these stories remind me that we too can experience Jesus’ miracle-working in our lives, if we believe and keep the faith. It is easy to let earthly distractions and negative encounters get in the way of our relationship with God. But, if we remember that He is always with us, even when we are sick, discouraged or lonely, we too will receive His healing and unconditional love. Your faith has made you well, go in peace. Do not fear, only believe.
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