Woman with a Hemorrhage

As preached by Sister Cecelia

Holy Wisdom Church

Ezekiel  18:21-23,23-30,  Hebrews 3:7-16,  Mark 5:24b-34

A friend recently sent us photos of some of her sheep. One had just given birth and the little lamb is perched on its mother’s body -being taken care of. Another was a little lamb obviously getting some special human attention by being inside the house. Perhaps it was sick or the mother would not nurse it and had to be hand fed. I like to think the lamb was being cared for as Jesus took care of the woman who had suffered from, so far, an incurable hemorrhage for 12 long years.

Custom dictated that for twelve years this woman had not been allowed to mix with others. Never the less, she boldly took a chance that no one would notice her. Having heard of all the healing that Jesus had already done, she believed she would be cured if only she could touch the fringe of his cloak.

 Jesus felt his healing go out from him and turned to look for the one receiving it. Upon gazing at the woman Jesus understood the courage and faith of the woman.  He wanted us to know what he valued in her and by extension, from us. That is; faith in Jesus and his love for each of us.

With that single action of healing Jesus helps her to reenter ordinary daily life, to be fully integrated into her community. Having no name, she represents all of us, especially if we feel isolated, exhausted or on the brink of despair. Jesus’ cure restored a woman to her full dignity to live life to the full as God’s child and our sister.

We are created in the dynamic image of God. To be made in the image of God is to be life-giving and imaginative. All of us are gifted with creative potential. We create connection and dialogue among people; we create art, music, prose, poetry; we create love and support for our families and communities. Our gifts, whatever they may be, are given to create a more life-giving world.

Or we can create discord depending what we put our attention on.

Faith in Jesus’ love for us seems to be what Jesus wants from us. Are we creative in learning how we can increase our faith? 

Are we inclined to be attentive to God’s presence in everything we do?

Do we have a special practice during Lent that might help to remember God is with us?

If fasting is one of your practices, do you think of God being with you when you experience hunger or not indulging in a special treat?  Thank God for the opportunity to be able to fast because you want to and not because you think you have to.

Whether you fast or not, faith in Jesus calls us to remember that God is within us. That is the important thing. It is an unfathomable mystery that God is within and without, everywhere and in all things. A prayer attributed to Saint Patrick whose feast day is tomorrow could be a mantra of sorts that could help us be mindful of our God as we journey through Lent toward the great Paschal Mystery.

• "Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me..." 
• "Christ on my right hand, Christ on my left hand, Christ all around me, shield in the strife" 
• "Christ in my sleeping, Christ in my sitting, Christ in my rising, light of my life"

 

Glory be to Jesus Christ!

Now and forever!