Deacon Brigid Waszczak
But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know power has gone out from me.”
The woman, seeing she could not go unnoticed… fell at his feet…. told why she touched him and how she [was] instantly healed… [Jesus} said… “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”
While Jesus was still speaking, someone… [told] Jairus, “Your daughter is dead.”
Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”
When he arrived at the house… people were wailing and mourning. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.”
He took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up.
—Luke 8: 41-53, 54
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Not one, but two miracles, one after the other! What a great day!
It took courage for Jairus, a temple leader, to ask Jesus for help. Remember, most temple leaders looked for ways to arrest Jesus, not encourage his ministry. Jairus was desperate. Jesus agreed to see the sick daughter because he understood Jairus was out of options and had swallowed his pride to ask for help.
The bleeding woman’s story is more well-known. It took courage for her, too, to sneak forward and brush the hem of Jesus’ cloak believing such a brief touch would heal her. Jesus, aware energy from his body transferred to someone else, wanted to meet this brave person.
Aren’t we amazed he felt that energy connection? We are rarely aware of our own energy, let alone when our energy connects with others. Jesus lauds the faith of the healed woman, letting her know it was her own leap of faith that cured her.
First, we step forth in faith, then the miracle occurs. We make the first move toward Jesus and he responds with praise for our effort and healing (maybe not the exact healing we expected, but the healing Jesus knows we need).
Jairus is present for this woman’s miracle. Did it support his own leap of faith? Jesus encourages him to display the same deep faith as the woman. “Believe,” he says. Et voila! Two happy endings.
Both petitioners set aside their reservations and pride to reach out for help. I don’t do that easily. It’s difficult for me to admit my need and ask for help. I’m a do-it-myself, all by myself, type.
Just like these Bible characters, too often I must be desperate before getting help. Pride? Yes. Fear of being deemed less than capable? Yes.
When my more mature, soul-grounded voice finally says, “Get over yourself! Get help!” I also get a happy ending. I need to step forward in faith more often and amplify that whispering voice inside me.
How do you respond when you need help?
—Deacon Brigid