Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
"Who touched me?" Mk 5:21-43
The question, "Who touched me?" strikes me as an intriguing inquiry by Jesus. Our Lord, surrounded by a large crowd, is reacting to the knowledge that someone grasped His garment. This touch is not an ordinary touch. This touch is beyond the familiar feeling that comes from bumping into someone in a large crowd. One may even think that someone pickpocketed Jesus. Yes, there is something special about this touch that caused Jesus to ask the question of the day, "Who touched me?"
After reflecting further on comprehending Jesus' inquiry, some could perceive that someone pickpocketed Jesus' healing power. Okay, maybe not pickpocketed. However, one cannot deny that a woman extracted some of Jesus' healing power in this gospel. The gospel proclaimed, "Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, 'Who has touched my clothes?'" Don't miss your opportunity to shout joyfully; this woman did not say a word to Jesus. This woman avoided asking for permission, knowing that her condition prohibited her from contact with other people. Nor did she volunteer any financial incentive to anyone to assist her in meeting Jesus. However, despite all of these circumstances, this woman spoke life into her situation. She said, "If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured."
Here, at this moment, let's flip the narrative. Instead of Jesus asking the question, ask yourself, "Who touched me?" For example, has anyone reached out their hands to touch you for spiritual guidance? If they did not stretch out their hands, maybe they called, believing that you had healing words for them to keep on keeping on. The critical point here is to reflect on what your Christian walk looks like to others. Is your walk attractive to non-believers? Are other Christians wanting to pray with you? Remember, the woman clasping Jesus' garment imagined and believed in physical healing by touching His clothing. She sought Jesus out!
Therefore, in our second reading, Paul said, "As you excel in every respect, in faith, discourse, knowledge, all earnestness, and in the love we have for you, may you excel in this gracious act also." Paul is talking about Christians excelling in their faith to do gracious acts like Jesus. When we grow in faith, knowledge of the scriptures and church teachings, and love for our neighbors, we will draw non-believers looking for spiritual healing. Church, we need to look like Jesus, the Body of Christ, to help all of God's creation to experience amazing grace and merciful love. Who touched you? Pray for their healing, today!
He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction."
Author: Evangelist Michael Howard, MACS
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