Scripture: Luke 8.41-55
This morning’s Gospel about healing is a feel good passage, until we ask ourselves the question: WHAT IF?
What if Jesus had not healed the woman
What if he had limited his powers so she could not access his healing
What if he had ignored her instead
What if he had ostracised her, the way the disciples suggested
What if ???
What if Jairus had not advocated for his daughter, and come to seek Jesus’ help
What if Jesus had not gone to her home
What if he had listened to the people outside the door, telling him it was too late
What if he had been dissuaded by the disbelievers and non-believers
What if ???
Well: For the most part; life would have gone on. The way it goes on for far too many in our world, today.
The woman would have continued: in pain, with hemorrhage: having depleted her financial resources, segregated from community, likely desperate and exhausted
That was her norm, after all; 12 years of suffering with no other options.
The girl would have died.
Her parents would have grieved; the community would have offered support.
And the communal norm would have gone on: bakers baking, cleaners cleaning, merchants making sales… because that’s what community does.
Yet even if those sad possibilities had happened, let’s remind ourselves that these women had MUCH to teach us. For they continue to teach us, as our world
A lot about the world; a lot about ourselves; a lot about Jesus.
Both women are unnamed.
Both women are experiencing need.
Both women are at extremes
Both women have faith, and come to Jesus.
And Jesus then comes to them. Meets them where they are. And says: I see you; you are important, you are valued, you are respected.
You are worthy of life.
In both cases, the women are named Daughter.
Jairus’ little girl; and the woman who is called child of God by Jesus himself.
Daughter: beloved. One who belongs. One who is cherished.
Both women are given a healing: not a temporary reprieve but a physical renewal.
Jesus also provides a cure: a word meaning care and concern – a spiritual healing of their souls, and of their reconnection with their communities.
This is profound.
It is offering them health that the world can give, and MORE than the world can give.
Because though the world would put up barriers, and offer loopholes, Jesus came – and invites us to come with him. .
He broke through the religious limitation of ritual uncleanness. He addressed the very real issues of blood, and death: for life is more important than even appropriate social structures. Jesus knew that just as ritual defilement was easy, so too was ritual cleansing.
He disregarded the cultural taboos of gender barriers – a woman. A girl – people who were considered to be unworthy of extra time, attention, and energy – let alone other resources – of men.
Jesus knew that their needs exceeded what those men could provide (through no fault of the their own).
He disregarded the cultural norms that should have kept them apart, The taboos of the woman pushing through the crowd, touching men she was unrelated to. The leader of religious institution that was actively opposed to Jesus’ teachings – and healings.
Yet Jesus knew that societal barriers were not a reason to deny someone grace, and love, and dignity. Jesus came. and he brought life: in body; in mind; in spirit.
He came, and he taught us of the healing that can happen, when we focus on the dignity of every human being, and on the opportunity to serve the vulnerable in our midst.
When we choose to advocate for those who have been depleted by their illness, like the woman.
When we choose to help the helpless in our midst, like the unnamed child.
When we pray for restoration of health, and make the anonymous known to those who can provide relief, when we are the community that supports those who are suffering.
Our faith inspires us to advocate for life – and health – for all.
So what if?
What if we decide to embrace life for ourselves, AND support it and champion it for others?
What if our work clears the way for people to access the health care they need?
What if we establish new systems and structures that support the fullness of life – and health – for the people – named and unnamed – in our society?
What if we become life-supporters, rejoicing in the life that has been given to us; and doing our part to facilitate that life coming (and coming again) to all.
What if we follow the example of Jesus, and see every individual as worthy of health.
SO let us give thanks for the gift of healing revealed to us today:
And let us lean in to the ministry before us: to advocate for health for all women, and children: that they may hear through us, the words of Jesus that bring us comfort:
“beloved child, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.
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