Daily Reflections ...

All of us have had times in our lives where we have felt wounded, hurt, or things did not appear to be going well. It can be easy to give into despair during these difficult times. Today’s gospel describes the extraordinary action a courageous woman took to break out of her desperate situation.

The woman in today’s gospel had suffered haemorrhages for many years. Moreover, she was isolated from the community, as she was considered perpetually unclean (see Leviticus 15:25-27). In her pain and isolation, she turned to Jesus. She reached out and touched his cloak, and was healed (Matthew 9:21). The actions of this woman demonstrated a great act of faith and trust. She did not give up hope and was transformed.

Let us learn a lesson in faith from this woman. She showed courage and determination by going straight to the source of all healing – Jesus – to get what she needed. Yet Jesus, who is always with us, is waiting for us to reach out, not just in times of pain but also in our joys and blessed times. This woman shows us that everything we do needs to come from a deep conviction that Jesus is the answer.

Today, let us pray for the courage and strength to act like this woman, to reach out in faith to touch the cloak of Jesus and to be transformed.

by Lisa McKerr