Daughter

Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. Just then there came a man named Jairus, a leader of the synagogue. He fell at Jesus’ feet and begged him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, who was dying. As he went, the crowds pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years; and though she had spent all she had on physicians, no one could cure her. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his clothes, and immediately her hemorrhage stopped. Then Jesus asked, ‘Who touched me?’ When all denied it, Peter said, ‘Master, the crowds surround you and press in on you.’ But Jesus said, ‘Someone touched me; for I noticed that power had gone out from me.’ When the woman saw that she could not remain hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before him, she declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.’ While he was still speaking, someone came from the leader’s house to say, ‘Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the teacher any longer.’ When Jesus heard this, he replied, ‘Do not fear. Only believe, and she will be saved.’ When he came to the house, he did not allow anyone to enter with him, except Peter, John, and James, and the child’s father and mother. They were all weeping and wailing for her; but he said, ‘Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and called out, ‘Child, get up!’ Her spirit returned, and she got up at once. Then he directed them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astounded; but he ordered them to tell no one what had happened. Luke 8:40-56

Today marks 33 years as a priest. First, I was a daughter, then a wife. and then a mother with daughters. And, I do know what it is to have a long illness and to get close to death. We find ourselves today amidst two stories of two women, one long suffering and the other, a child pronounced dead. And to both, Jesus brings new life. He calls the older woman daughter, a tender, kind name. And as a mother with daughters, just thinking of them, my heart is full of overflowing love. I am reminded, on this tender anniversary, that we are considered by Jesus with overflowing love. No matter our circumstances or challenges, we are seen as beloved children of God.

Loving Creator, loving heart of our world

you look on all your creation with deep love

you see us as beloved, wanted and called

and you see us with the eyes of a loving parent.

We expect that you look on our scars as failure

while you see our wounds as a place of healing

we do not want to show our failures to you

despite your promise to love and heal us all.

Help us today to live as your beloved children

let our humanity and needs be an invitation

for us to be deeper in relationship with you

so that you love might be known by all. Amen.