Touch Christ. Be Healed.

It was profound logic from the unnamed woman in Matt 9.20-22. She had, I suspect, observed Christ's healing power (or alternatively, heard about it) sufficiently to conclude that, if she could just touch him she would be healed of an ailment that had bothered her for 12 years and about which the physicians were powerless to do anything. She touched him. She was healed. She was correct.

What lesson can we take from this woman? I believe it is this: Ultimately, what hope we have, lies in Christ and nothing or no one else. She had tried everything else; everything humanly possible, and had not been healed. One touch of Christ and she is instantly healed. Are you hopeless? Tried everything? Nothing worked? Run to Christ. Touch his garment. You will be saved (which is exactly how Matthew puts it. Saved as in saved, saved). Does this mean that you will be healed from any and every physical ailment? Nope. Certainly doesn't. It might mean that. What it does mean is that you will find what you truly need in Christ. And what is that, you ask? That is a new heart.

Chrysostom: What then is his intention in bringing her forward? First, Jesus puts an end to her fear. He does not want her to remain trapped in dread. He gives no cause for her conscience to be harmed, as if she had stolen the gift. Second, he corrects her assumption that she has no right to be seen. Third, he makes her faith an exhibit to all. He encourages the others to emulate her faith. Fourth, his subduing the fountains of her hemorrhage was another sign of his knowledge of all things. And finally, do you remember the ruler of the synagogue? He was at the point of despair, of utter ruin. Jesus is indirectly admonishing him by what he says to the woman. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 31.2