The woman we meet in today’s gospel (Mark 5:21-43) was affected with a disease considered shameful in her society –
a condition that should be kept well hidden.
But well hidden also was the woman’s secret hope.
She had been hoping before, going from one doctor to another, spending all her money, and the disease never left her.
But this time, things could be different, she thought.
Now, her hope was strong and daring because of her faith in the Man of Nazareth.
She did not want to be seen, she did not want people in the crowd to know, but she was brave.
Her courage would bring her close to the Teacher.
She would find a way to come so close that she would be able to touch his garment.
She did and, immediately, her faith brought about what she had hoped for.
She was healed and she was praised, in front of everyone, by this Man who had cured her, freeing her from pain and shame.
Leaving for a moment this crowd of the time of Jesus, I look at the crowds of our time…
- crowds at sports competitions of all kinds,
- crowds at cultural events of all descriptions,
- crowds at camping sites and beach resorts,
- crowds in churches, yes, liturgical gatherings…
I ask myself: among all those people, are there some with this kind of deep faith and daring hope?…
And, closer to home… I look at myself… is there such a faith and hope in me?…
The very kind that obtains… miracles!
Note: This gospel scene is presented in video format at: https://youtu.be/ZuxiEatESS0
and https://youtu.be/_K7rfk9mZ48
And another reflection on a different theme is available in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/13e-dimanche-de-lannee-b-2021/