A Woman Healed, A Child Raised To Life

"While JESUS was speaking to them, a woman who had suffered from a severe bleeding for twelve years came up from behind and touched the edge of HIS cloak.  For she thought, 'If I only touch HIS cloak, I will be healed.'  JESUS turned, saw her and said, 'Courage, my daughter, your faith has saved you.'  And from that moment the woman was cured." - Matthew 9:18-26 

(This woman was considered by the Jews as unclean because of her illness.  She would also make "unclean" anyone who touched her.  Because of this, she was prohibited by the Law from mingling with others but dared enter into the crowd, and touch JESUS' cloak.

Faith drove her to break the Law of "purification," and to risk scandal.  This woman did not know who JESUS was but had faith that GOD would cure her through HIM.

The religiosity of this woman is akin to what we call today "popular Catholicism."  As seen in this woman, popular Catholicism is ill-instructed, yet shows a strong religious sense and trust in GOD.  It is superficial and naïve, expecting great results from touching images and religious things - CHRIST's garment in this case.  Like JESUS, we should respect the religious expressions of popular Catholicism while at the same time trying, like HIM, to help people discover deeper dimensions of their faith.

These people coming to JESUS were, of course, very far from recognizing HIM as the Son of GOD, but they were convinced that GOD would give them some blessing through this prophet and holy man.  This faith prepared them to receive healing in both body and spirit.  How can GOD heal those who refuse to hope?

What stands out here is the power of CHRIST: JESUS was conscious that healing power had gone out forth from HIM.

Your faith has saved you.  This can also be translated: Your faith has made you well.  In fact, both meanings fit.  For this woman risked all and finally saw how much GOD loved her.)

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