Matthew 9:18-26 NRSVue
18While he was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” 19And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples. 20Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from a flow of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, 21for she was saying to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well.” 22Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that moment. 23When Jesus came to the leader’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, 24he said, “Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. 25But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. 26And the report of this spread through all of that district.
“Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.”
Some thoughts on this scripture
Reflection
In these times when the pandemic makes us very aware of our frailty and that of our loved ones, we join the leader of the synagogue and present Jesus with our impossible desires. We ask for faith and trust that whatever happens Jesus never abandons us, and that our prayers are always heard.
Reflection
Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well. Jesus is so gentle, even as he performs a big miracle. I imagine the fear and embarrassment of this woman who dares to believe that just touching Jesus’ tunic would be enough to cure her, and then she is found out. And instantly the woman was made well. I stand in awe at this great event, sharing the joy and amazement of the woman and the crowd.