Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“When the woman saw that she could not remain hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before him, she declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.’”
NL Daily Devotion for Wednesday, February 12, 2025
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
That poor woman. What fear she must have had that her action might get her into serious trouble. She did what she did out of desperation—her life had been diminished to the point where, quite possibly, it wasn’t worth living anymore. The physicians had added insult to injury by taking all her money and still not being able to help (I am put in mind of our horrific healthcare system here in the US that bankrupts thousands upon thousands with medical bills while shareholders and executives make millions of dollars). She had heard Jesus was a healer and she somehow believed not only that he could heal her, but that all she had to do was touch his clothing—he didn’t even have to do anything directly. In effect, she was stealing something that did not belong to her.
Or was she?
Every single living thing deserves healing and wholeness, if it’s at all possible. Illness, injury, life’s pains and trials—these are inevitable. But they are not, I believe, God’s will. If healing is to be had, God wants us to have it. And if touching the fringe of Jesus’ cloak was going to heal this desperate woman, then it was no theft.
Yet she is terrified that this is what it was. That when Jesus felt the exchange, he was angry about it. No. Jesus, it seems, just wanted to acknowledge her directly. To look her in the eye and say, “What you did was okay. Beautiful even. You are a beloved child of God, and your faith is beautiful.”
We, all of us, are allowed to self-advocate, and called to advocate for others. We are allowed to ask for what we need in order to heal, and demand from corrupt systems access to healing for those who corporations would keep out. Let our faith spur us toward making ourselves and others well.
What is my responsibility in addressing the unjust healthcare system in the U.S.?
