Tuesday, February 4, 2020


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.”