Tuesday of the Third Week in Lent

Read Mark 5:21–43

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For 12 long years, I watched my life’s blood drain out of me. Each day, I woke up weaker. Each day, I was reminded of my alienation from society. Each day, I lost hope that I’d get better. So today, in a fit of desperation, I attempted the unthinkable.

Jesus was hurrying through town with the synagogue leader. With all the healing power he has, I thought, surely there would be a little to spare — he’d never notice. I’d just brush my fingertip against his cloak. I wouldn’t touch him, so he wouldn’t be defiled, right?

He knew. Crowds pressed him from all sides. But still, he knew. I was healed in an instant, but I had to own up to my impertinence. Trembling, I approached him. I could have been punished, or worse, the healing could have been reversed. But he gently whispered, “Your faith has healed you.” The great healer has given me my life back.

Jesus, thank you for healing our bodies as well as our spirits.

Text by Jodi Craiglow

Video from First United Presbyterian Church of Belleville, IL