Thursday, June 12, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Matthew 9:18–26

While he was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples. Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. When Jesus came to the leader’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, “Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. And the report of this spread throughout that district. (NRSV)

Reflection

When I was young, these seemed like very simple and straightforward stories. Not much going on, but on the other hand, a lot happening. As I got older, they seemed too simple. There had to be more going on, more details, more drama. I also had a difficult time believing them on some level. I kept searching for how they could be true. A reason, based on what I understood to be true, of how these things could have happened as the story suggested. Perhaps the young girl was really asleep or in a coma. That would explain how she was saved. I really couldn’t come up with a good reason for the story of the older woman. How can you be ill for twelve years and just by touching someone’s clothes be cured?

But then I remind myself of my limited ability to understand God’s world. Surely there are things I will never understand, things human beings will never be able to entirely comprehend. Surely there must be room for this type of uncertainty, this kind of wonder, this ability to believe things that don’t necessarily make much sense. Surely, there must be room in our complicated world to have some, even if only a little, faith in the power of God.

Prayer

God of those of little faith and those of plenty, help me to see the wonder you have in store for us in your world. Help me to focus my attention on places where others might not, so I can experience all that you have to share with us. Amen.

Written by Lisa Garay, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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