The woman is healed after 12 years of suffering. Jairus' daughter of 12 years is seemingly raised from the dead. The age of the girl gives us a visualisation tool to appreciate just how long the woman has been suffering. The number twelve in scripture represents fullness and completion.
Jesus heals. This, it seems to me, is what the
Gospel writers are trying to say. He heals even when the physicians have failed, even when everyone has lost hope, even when our suffering feels absolute and irreparable.
This is not just a vague theological idea, and this week's Gospel passage is not just intended to make us feel nice. The writers of the Gospel and those who have passed it on from generation to generation must have had a good reason to tell this story of how
Jesus heals. I believe that this is because they have experienced his healing in their own lives, and they want everyone else to know about it.
Healing may take many forms. It may be a physical cure for a disease, healthy progress in our mental health journey, or letting go of some obstacle or addiction in our lives. It may also be spiritual healing: a renewed relationship with God and a new understanding of God's love for me, my
neighbour, and creation. Healing is when we are restored to our freedom as children of God.
We are involved in the process of our healing. Jairus falls at Jesus' feet. The woman touches Jesus' garment. But it is Jesus who heals. We need to simply bring ourselves to him and allow him to heal us.
What have been your own 12 years of suffering? What to you feels absolute and
irreparable? How has contact with Jesus brought you healing?
Reflections by Sean van Staden SJ
