In today’s Gospel, we are presented with two stories that demonstrate the power of God’s healing and the importance of unwavering faith in times of despair. The first story features Jairus, a synagogue official, who desperately seeks Jesus’ help for his dying daughter. The second story involves an unnamed woman in a crowd who has been suffering from a prolonged hemorrhage.
Both Jairus and the woman rely on their deep faith to make their prayers heard. By the end of the passage, their prayers are answered. Jairus’ daughter is raised from the dead, and the woman is immediately healed after touching Jesus’ garments.
Reflecting on these stories, we are reminded of Jesus’ healing abilities and the significance of faith during moments of hopelessness. They also serve as a reminder that we can turn to Jesus with all our needs, including healing.
Have there been instances in your life where you were able to embrace Jesus’ words, “Do not be afraid; just have faith”? It brings to mind the popular Nike slogan “Just Do It.” While it may seem like sound advice to simply have faith, it can be challenging to let go of our fears and concerns. However, we can draw inspiration from the faith exhibited by Jairus and the woman in today’s Gospel.
Although God may not always resurrect our loved ones or provide immediate healing for ourselves or our family members, we must remember that in all our brokenness, whether it be illness, hopelessness, or loss, we should remain close to the one who tells us: “Do not be afraid; just have faith.”America Magazine