The Hemorrhaging Woman and Jairus' Daughter

Gospel Mt 9:18-26 and Mk 5:21-43

When Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him.

And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, and had spent all she had on doctors, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. Jesus asked:

--"Who touched me?"

When they all denied it, Peter said:

--"Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you!"

But Jesus said:

--"Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me."

Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed.

Jesus said to her:

--"Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."

QUESTIONS AND POINTS FOR REFLECTION

1.- Faith Translated into Gestures: Both the synagogue leader (who bows before Jesus) and the woman (who touches the hem of His cloak) make concrete gestures of faith. In Confirmation, you will make gestures such as the laying on of hands and the anointing with chrism. Do you believe that your external gestures (going to mass, helping others, praying) really reflect what you feel inside?

2.- Hope Against All Hope: The girl's father approaches Jesus even when she has "just died." For God, there is no "lost" situation. Is there any aspect of your life or society that seems "dead" or without a solution? How can the strength of the Holy Spirit help you maintain hope in these situations?

3.- Touching Jesus to be Healed: The woman thinks: "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed." Today we touch Jesus through the Sacraments. In what way are you preparing to "touch" Christ in the sacrament of Confirmation? Do you seek spiritual healing in the sacraments or just see them as a formality?

4.- Discretion and Confidence: Jesus says to the woman: "Daughter, take heart; your faith has healed you." She wanted to go unnoticed, but Jesus wants her to know that her faith is important. We often think that what we do doesn't matter to anyone. How does it change you to know that Jesus notices your personal faith and calls you "child"?

5.- Do Not Be Afraid of Ridicule: When Jesus says the girl is sleeping, the people laugh at Him. Jesus does not back down and performs the miracle. As a confirmed Christian, you will often find people who will laugh at your beliefs. Are you willing to continue trusting Jesus even if your environment does not understand or mocks it?