Tuesday of the
Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
(II Samuel 18:9-10.14b.24-25a.30-19:3; Mark 5:21-43)
The old man was pleased with himself. He had caught the doctor billing him for untendered
services. The man saved thousands of
dollars by just examining his bills.
Today’s gospel tells the story of a woman who was not so fortunate. Her doctors had taken all the money she had
without helping her. She now turns to
Jesus in desperation.
Faith in Jesus moves the woman with hemorrhages to touch his
garment. She knows it is wrong to
exploit his services without telling him.
Because she is unclean according to Jewish law, touching Jesus sullies
him as well. Jesus demonstrates his
divine power in two ways. First, he feels
healing grace being emitted from his body.
Then, he heals the woman of her distressing condition. He asks who has received his healing grace. The
trembling woman bravely steps forward. Her
courage wins for her a second, deeper blessing.
Jesus grants her salvation.
“’Daughter,’” he says, “’your faith has saved you.’”
We should not be afraid to come to Jesus with our
needs. Whether we are sick or have done something
wrong, we should pray to him for healing. His words to us will not be
different, “Daughter (or son), your faith has saved you.”
