Faith

While Jesus was speaking, an official came forward, knelt down before him, and said, "My daughter has just died.  But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live."  Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples.  A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak.  She said to herself, "If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured."  Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, "Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you."  And from that hour the woman was cured. 

When Jesus arrived at the official's house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion, he said, "Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping."  And they ridiculed him.  When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose. And news of this spread throughout all that land. Matthew 9:18-26

In today’s Gospel, Jesus’ teaching was interrupted and he responded immediately.  He did not rebuke the official for disturbing him, nor did he tell him to come back later.  Jesus stopped what he was doing and focused his attention on the man and tended to his need.  When the woman touched his cloak she was cured not because she touched Jesus but because of her great faith.  May our faith grow and be as strong as these two people.

Pat Schifini, OSU