Daughter, Your Faith Has Made You Well

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

I am always touched by Jesus' word to the woman who touched him in the crowd and to Jairus' family. I am so moved because in Jesus' time, and often even in our time, women's illnesses and physical challenges were discounted and not as important as their male relatives. Yet Jesus is always healing women, men, children and strangers alike. The rules of society did not come into his way of being. Love was and is always the driving force. Love given equally, love at all times, love more powerful than class, clan, culture and station.

Gracious Creator, you are the source of healing

you shower all your creation with your love

you do not go by human conventions and rules

instead, you offer renewal and peace to everyone.

Jesus, you came to walk with us and heal us

yet we question you and laughed at your ways

we still bristle at the suggestions of love's power

and refuse your spirit of love and forgiveness.

Heal us dear Lord, we pray this day and always

so that we might embody your generous love

so we might share with family and strangers alike

the healing and peace you have brought to the world. Amen.