In today’s gospel we read about two miraculous healings Jesus performed. One was with a woman with hemorrhages, the other on a young girl. Both were impossible situations. The woman had been afflicted for twelve years, had gone to many doctors, had spent all her money, yet she still grew worse. The young girl was at the point of death and actually died. For one who is dead, what more can be done? Indeed, the people said to Jairus, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?” (v.35).
But we know what happened. The woman was instantly healed of her affliction when she touched the cloak of Jesus. The young girl was brought back to life, a case of ultimate healing. In both cases, faith was of crucial importance. The woman had said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” (v.28). In the case of the young girl, Jairus her father had said to Jesus, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.” (v.23).
The woman, in her desperation, just went right out and acted on her faith. And what medical science could not cure, Jesus healed in an instant. Jesus told her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.” (v.34). As to the young girl, her father had acted in faith, trusting Jesus could heal her. But now that the girl had died, he had to take his faith further. Jesus encouraged him, saying, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” (v.36).
In both cases, faith led to healing. How about us? How much faith do we have in Jesus, that he can touch our lives, that he can overturn the negativities in our lives, that he can do the impossible? We look to doctors and science for healing, but do we also invoke the ultimate Healer? We oftentimes are fearful of threats to our life, but do we then put our lives in the hands of him who is the Author of Life?
We must be firm in faith. In this way, no matter the circumstances of our lives, we need never be afraid. We can always go forth in the peace of Christ.
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