Word to the Wise
Sunday, July 1, 2018 - 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time - B
[Wis 1:13-15, 2:23-24; 2 Cor 8:7, 9, 13-15; Mark 5:21-43 or 5:21-24, 35-43]SUNDAY, JULY 1, 2018. THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME [Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24; 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15; Mark 5:21-43] One of the features of the Gospel According to Mark is to place one story inside another. The lectionary offers the possibility of omitting the “inside story” to the preacher. I decline that option because the inside story is often related to the outside story. It is the healing of the lady with the hemorrhages that always catches my attention in this case. Her faith is more powerful than her touch, which is why Jesus can recognize that faith in the middle of a crowd bumping into him as they walk along. Just think of some of those news scenes with reporters shoving microphones and cell phones in the face of some celebrity. How could anyone catch Jesus’ attention? Well...the faith of that lady who felt that just to touch Jesus’ clothing would be enough. Jesus felt THAT faith in contrast to the crowd’s “faith.” I use the term “tassel-touches” to describe her and people like her, and respect them. In my experience, some folks can only get as far as the tassel of Jesus’ cloak. They don’t feel worthy of getting any closer, and efforts on the part of well-meaning disciples to get them closer will meet with resistance. Gentle “accompaniment” can accomplish much more, much like introducing a child to a swimming pool! The introduction may take more than one date at the poolside. Their desire to join in the fun has to overcome their fear of the water, and that takes time and patience. Jesus reminds the lady at the end of the inside story that it is her faith that saves her, not her touch of his garment. We who take Jesus’ presence for granted are challenged to recognize and accept the reluctant or fearful faithful and simply invite and encourage without insisting. Their faith will save them, not us! AMEN
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