ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST
UNITED CHURCH

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on the wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. 

 Isaiah 40 : 31

Reading:

Mark 5:21-43

Most of the people or their friends, in Jesus’ time, who sort out healing from Him, made a decision to leave their homes and to go to Jesus.  The lady in today readings knew that as a woman she could not approach Jesus, so she approached him from behind and touched His robe.  She had reached the end of her resources.  She had many needs.  She was considered an outcast because of her disease, the medical experts were unable to help her and physically she was at the end of her tether.  Touch is a powerful tool of healing and Jesus used this many times during His ministry.  Jesus somehow is aware that some spiritual power has left Him.  He then seeks her out and says, “Daughter your faith has healed you.”  Jesus’ healing is a holistic healing.

Then we have the amazing story of a member of the synagogue coming to Jesus saying his little daughter was dying.  Before they get to his house, friends come and say that the little girl has died.  Jesus says she is not dead, but asleep.  Jesus knows that the situation is not closed.  He goes to her bed and takes her hand, Jesus is touching again, and says to her, ”Little girl, get up!”  She gets up and once again a miracle of faith has happened!