A Woman Healed, A Child Raised To Life

"While JESUS was speaking to them, an official of the synagogue came up to HIM, bowed before HIM and said, 'My daughter has just died, but come and place YOUR hands on her, and she will live.'  JESUS stood up and followed him with HIS disciples.

Then 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.

When JESUS arrived at the official's house and saw the flute players and the excited crowd, HE said, 'Get out of here!  The girl is not dead.  She is only sleeping!'  And they laughed at HIM.  But once the crowd had been turned out, JESUS went in and took the girl by the hand, and she stood up.  The news of this spread through the whole area." - 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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