Today’s Gospel passage and the first reading narrative could be seen as a tale of three women. The first woman, unnamed, was a young girl, twelve years old, who became sick and later passed away. In the case of the young girl, her father whose name was given as Jairus, a synagogue official, took the courageous step of seeking Jesus’ help. The young woman was raised to life by this encounter with Jesus.
The second woman, an older unnamed woman, had an incurable hemorrhage, rendering her impure, for twelve years. The unnamed older woman took it upon herself to receive a miracle from Jesus without his direct knowledge. She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured”.
The third woman’s name was mentioned somewhere in the scripture as Gomer, who age was unknown, was spiritually sick, she was continuously unfaithful to her husband prophet Hosea. She did not ask for help, nor did her husband. Her marriage to Hosea was used as an analogy for God’s relationship with Israel. Despite Gomer’s infidelity, idolatry, and harlotry, God commands Hosea to enter into, keep, and renew his marriage with her. The marriage became a symbol of the Lord’s relationship with Israel (Hosea 2:4-25).
These women stand for Israel, the wife of the Lord, who has gone away from her husband and becomes impure. It is only when she returns to her Master – that she will be healed of her impurities and be fruitful again. Israel, who fails to accept her Master, is like a dead person, and if the bridegroom does not raise her up, she will remain lifeless. Jesus, the Master lifts her up by hand and brings her back to life.
The tale of these women also mirrors our own experiences. Jesus welcomes everyone without conditions. According to the opening line of today’s first reading, the Lord lured the people of Israel into the wilderness to speak to their heart. The Lord speaks to the heart of all of us who approach him and he always responds to our plea for help.
Have a wonderful Week
