In today’s gospel lesson about a woman who suffered with a flow of blood for twelve years (Mark 5: 24-34), we have something of a “King Midas Touch” in reverse.

In today’s gospel lesson about a woman who suffered with a flow of blood for twelve years (Mark 5: 24-34), we have something of a “King Midas Touch” in reverse. Remember, everything that King Midas touched turned to gold, but according to Jewish Law (Leviticus 15:25-27), this woman with her bleeding condition was considered ceremonially “unclean” and everything or anyone she touched became unclean. This drastically curtailed any interaction with family, friends, and neighbors (meaning people generally avoided her) and she was not permitted to enter the Temple or any synagogue to worship.

Thus, I find it ironic that this woman, whose touch made anything unclean, had the faith to push herself through a crowd (making those people unclean) and touch Jesus (making Him unclean) as a last resort to find healing. Yet, her touch could not make our Lord unclean, but she was instantly made clean and whole by her effort.

Fr. John