I am struck by the ways that these two people approach Jesus in today’s gospel reading. The synagogue leader approached Jesus in a public space on behalf of his daughter’s healing and bowing low before Jesus and others. The woman approached Jesus in a very private way, coming up behind him to touch the fringe of his cloak for her healing. She would have been quite happy not to be noticed by anyone. We each approach the Lord differently because we are all different, and our circumstances are different. Our relationship with the Lord is deep and personal. Even when we are praying together, as we do at Mass, reciting the same prayers together, we do so in a way that is personal to each one of us.
The Lord respected these different ways that these two people approached him in the gospel reading and responded to each of them equally. The Lord respects us in our uniqueness. He recognizes and rejoices in the personal nature of our faith. He calls us by name and respecting our individuality. The Christian faith is communal; we journey together to the Lord whose is always at work to form a community of believers. Like the woman, we often come before Him in our own need, seeking to touch the Lord in faith, in our prayer. Like the official, we sometimes come before the Lord in prayer, interceding with him for others, asking Him to come into the life of someone dear to us. Both forms of prayer, the prayer for our own needs, and the prayer for others are expressions of our faith in the life-giving touch of Jesus.
By Sr. Mary, CM.
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