Paolo Veronese: Christ and the Woman with the Issue of Blood
Friday, October 25, 2024
Jairus’ Daughter and the Woman with a Hemorrhage
The evangelist Mark writes this portion of his story by weaving several strands together – thus replicating the manner in which we all live – and asking us to take a closer look. Jesus sets off to perform one task and is interrupted by the needs of another. Once he interacts with the un-named woman, he returns to his original task to complete it – even though circumstances have changed and the case appears to be hopeless. In this way, Mark expresses so much more about Jesus’ essence than his words convey. He tells us that:
Jesus perseveres – and as citizens of the new kingdom, so must we all.
Jesus hopes – and as people who believe in the new kingdom, so should we all.
Jesus suffers – and as servants in the new kingdom, so will we all.
Jesus heals – and as apostles in the new kingdom, so should we all.
Jesus admonishes – and as disciples in the new kingdom, so shall we all.
Jesus loves – and as lovers of Christ, so are we all required to love.
In today’s reading we see Jesus surrounded by the flock. We see him wading among the people, being open, being present, holding a standard, carrying the lambs.
What a wonderful brother, father, lover and redeemer. We, too, may reach out to touch his cloak at any minute as it flutters ahead of us, just within reach. We, too, can expect to be raised by his hand when we move from this life to the next. We, too, are his beloved. We can await no greater words than the words we hear today, Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.
Jesus speaks to us in these words. Jesus touches, cures, challenges, and sends us forth to heal in his name. As members of this new kingdom, nothing more is required of us. And nothing less.
In a world that often discounts or neglects women, this story has much to tell us.
First, although in the ancient world – and in some parts of our modern world today – women count for little more than livestock or a good hunting dog, Jesus clearly values women.
We must consider how we respond to those who have little or no value to the world.
Second, reflecting on the juxtaposition of a vibrant young woman and a woman well along in years, we watch Jesus as he tends to both of them.
We must consider how we respond to those who are outside of our social loops and circles of acceptance.
Third, coming from two separate classes, these women both benefit from Jesus’ loving attention.
We must consider how we respond to those in power and those who live and move in our shadow.
Fourth, Jesus’ actions of loving acceptance are so unusual that the news of this spread throughout the land.
We must consider when and how and why we respond – or do not respond – to Christ’s call to care for one another, to accept one another and even to heal one another in his name.
As we reflect on the resurrection of an official’s daughter and the healing of the hemorrhaging woman, let us remember how quickly the good news of Jesus’ interactions spreads. And let us also reflect on our willingness – or unwillingness – to tell the story of the good news about these two women.
Use the scripture link above to compare versions of this story.
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Thursday, December 22, 2011 – Matthew 11 – An Evil Generation
El Greco: Jesus Healing the Blind
The New American Bible designates this portion of Matthew’s Gospel: Opposition from Israel. Today and tomorrow we will examine Chapters 11 and 12 to discover more fully Jesus’ role in Israel. We will prepare more deeply for the arrival of the Spirit that brings joy and hope into our own lives and hearts. And we will understand more intensely what it means to totally and unconditionally depend on God for all.
As Chapter 11 opens, messengers arrive with word from Jesus’ cousin John to ask if what they have heard is true. Are you the one who has come or shall we look for another? We also want to know the answer to this question. Is it true that someone will take away our pain? Will we really begin to see an end to all the struggling between us? Can we at last relax and not worry so much about all we have to do? Is it true that someone will finally begin to right wrongs and deliver justice for those who suffer at the hands of the wicked? Jesus answers John’s messengers and he answers us as well.
Jean-Marie Melchior Doze: Jesus Healing the Leper
Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And we wonder . . . Is it true that the baby born in a few short days does all of this for us? We watch and take in the news. We work with others and we see how conditions might be improved. We interact with family and friends and hope for the best; yet we see too well the dark side of our reality.
Poor leaders and insincere co-workers use fear and guilt and manipulation to achieve their own goals. If we read Matthew 11 and 12 carefully we understand that a kind word and a committed heart call more people to a cause than force and coercion. Jesus confronts this evil generation and calls us as he called to the unrepentant towns: If the mighty deeds had been done in Sodom, it would have remained to this day.
Corrupt family and friends use subterfuge, dishonesty and tricks to force others into committing to their point of view. If we to read Matthew 11 and12 mindfully we see that honesty and courtesy invite more people to commitment than passive aggression and duplicity. Jesus challenges this evil generation and urges them as he urges us: Whoever has ears ought to hear.
Rembrandt: The Raising of LazarusDeceitful loved ones use betrayal, secrecy and projection of their own problems onto others because they cannot or do not want to grow. If we read Matthew 11 and 12 intentionally we comprehend that openness and love bring more people to union than threats and lines drawn in the sand. Jesus speaks to this evil generation and assures them as he assures us: My yoke is easy, and my burden light.
As Jesus moves about Israel healing, preaching and converting, the power structure feels its own influence dwindling . . . and those invested in the status quo begin to panic. They oppose Jesus at every turning and we watch to see how Jesus will meet this opposition.
Jesus the Healer knows that words mean little while actions mean all. Jesus the Interceder knows that corruption runs deep and is not easily unseated. Jesus the Cornerstone knows that we are like children playing games who sit in the marketplace calling out to one another. Jesus the Redeemer knows that we are in need of his help and that God is the only one who can fully confront this evil generation. Jesus, the Son of Man, knows that his authority and strength are in God alone.
Tomorrow we take a look at how Jesus confronts those who challenge him. Today let us depend on God as Jesus does, and let us we pray as Jesus prays.
I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. Amen.
The Noontimes 