A Touch of the Cloak

Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

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Gospel of Mark 5:21-43

There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had.  Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.  Immediately her flow of blood dried up.

A Markan Sandwich One thing unique to the Gospel of Mark is the use of a literary device known as a "Markan sandwich."  This is when a story is written within a story.  It's like slathering mustard on top of a bologna sandwich. It gives the story more zip, depth, and character. The story layers and builds on itself "sandwiched together" by a common theme.  Today's gospel reading is a perfect example of the Markan sandwich.  Jesus is on his way to heal Jarius' dying daughter.  Along the way a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years touches his cloak instantly stopping the flow of blood.  Jesus says to her "Daughter, your faith has saved you." Later Jesus arrives at Jairus' home in the midst of weeping and wailing.   The synagogue official's twelve year old daughter had just died.  Jesus exclaims:  "Do not be afraid; just have faith" and miraculously raises the daughter from the dead.  The common theme here is faith and healing.  The woman with hemorrhages, Jairus, and the twelve year old daughter were all healed by the grace of God.  Their faith is what saved them from misery, grief, and death.  

The Number Twelve Notice the reference to the number "twelve" in the years of the woman's hemorrhages and the age of the daughter. This can be interpreted in many ways.  I think of it not only as reference to the faith of the twelve tribes of Israel  but  also to child bearing.  At the age of twelve is when a girl normally begins menses and is able to conceive.   Jesus heals both of the hemorraging woman and the girl not only bringing life back to them but the ability to carry a life within their wombs.  

A Touch of the Cloak   Even though we are not able to physically touch Jesus' cloak, he can spiritually heal us.  We are blessed with the Sacrament of the anointing of the sick.  Also, the best source for perpetual healing is the regular practice of the Sacrament of Confession.  This is where the light of Christ can touch our hearts, healing us from our sins and failings. All we need to do is spiritually desire to be healed and Jesus' door is always opened!

Today let us reflect on the meaning of faith and healing.  Let us be grateful for the tremendous blessings in our lives.  Allow Our Lord to spiritually touch our hearts and heal us.

Saint Catherine de Ricci, Pray for Us!

-J.