In our gospel reading today, we see Jesus healing a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years and raising the daughter of the Synagogue leader from the dead. Both these two miracles are mentioned together and they carry important lessons about our Lord Jesus.

Jesus presents himself as available to all. The society in which he lived was deeply divided in terms of gender, class, religion, and political affinity. Jesus, who was born a Jew, never moved with the idea of division or separatism but moved with compassion. Whenever and wherever he saw a human need, he addressed it with compassion. Anyone who came to him received his full attention and he sent them away healed and blessed. The gospel writers not only want us to know that Jesus, who has authority over all sickness, heals but is also very compassionate.

Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11.28). Coming to Jesus is important. The woman who was healed of hemorrhages came to Jesus with one intention: of touching his dress. She wanted to come and go unnoticed due to her sickness. But, Jesus acknowledged the faith of the woman and said ‘Your faith made you well.’ The synagogue leader came to Jesus even when his daughter was dead. But Jesus, the hope of the hopeless, raised his daughter up from the dead. Coming to Jesus is the first and the only step we need to be taking, the rest turns to history. May the dear Lord help us to draw closer to him! God bless!