Rise Up

While Jesus was speaking, an official came forward, knelt down before him, and said, “My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples. A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.” Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured.

When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion, he said, “Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they ridiculed him. When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose. And news of this spread throughout all that land. (Matthew 9:18-26)

Rise up!  This Gospel states that Jesus rose and a little girl arose.  He cured the woman suffering hemorrhages.  Jesus interactions with women and children were especially noteworthy because their status was quite low compared to men.  They had little or no standing; it was a man’s world.

Yet, Jesus was there for them, and cured them meaning he made them understand their worthiness and that whatever affliction they may have had wasn’t the result of sin of some sort with resulting punishment by God.  They weren’t dead; they were alive and loved.  They rose to a new understanding about God’s love for them as made clear by what Jesus said and did.

All of us wish we could just touch the tassels on Jesus’ cloak.  We all wish he would take us by our hands.  Although he cannot touch us physically, he can and does touch our hearts and minds.  That happens through our faith.  He gives us courage; he cures us of our infirmities.  He has us rise; he saves us.

Deacon David Pierce