February 2, 2025 – This Holy Mystery
Mark 5:24-34 tells the story of a woman who had been suffering from a bleeding issue for twelve years, and who was instantly healed by simply touching the hem of Jesus’ garment, demonstrating the power of faith and Jesus’ ability to heal even in the most desperate situations; the key takeaway is that despite being considered an outcast due to her condition, Jesus acknowledged her faith and healed her, signifying his compassion for all people regardless of their circumstances.
Key points about the passage:
The woman’s desperation:
She had been suffering for a long time and had sought help from many doctors without success, highlighting her extreme need for healing.
Her act of faith:
By simply touching the hem of Jesus’ garment, she demonstrated her belief in his power to heal.
Jesus’ awareness:
Although many people were around him, Jesus immediately knew that power had gone out from him, indicating his sensitivity to the woman’s act of faith.
The “daughter” designation:
Jesus addresses the woman as “daughter,” which is a term of endearment and signifies her acceptance into God’s family.
The message of healing:
This story illustrates that Jesus is accessible to all who approach him with faith, regardless of their social standing or the severity of their problems.
Mark 5:24-34 NRSV
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
24 So he went with him.
And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. 25 Now there was a woman who had been suffering from a flow of blood for twelve years. 26 She had endured much under many physicians and had spent all that she had, and she was no better but rather grew worse. 27 She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 for she said, “If I but touch his cloak, I will be made well.” 29 Immediately her flow of blood stopped, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30 Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my cloak?” 31 And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, ‘Who touched me?’ ” 32 He looked all around to see who had done it. 33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
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