Reflection: "If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured."

In the Gospel of Mark, there was a woman who was afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had grown worse and worse and had spent all her money seeking help from doctors but continued to suffer greatly.

When she heard about Jesus, she made her way through the crowd that was pressing upon Him and she said, "If I but touch His clothes, I shall be cured." Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Mark 5:28-29

As soon as she touched Jesus, He was immediately aware that power had gone out from Him and He asked His disciples who touched Him. The disciples did not understand why He said that because the whole crowd was pressing on Him. Jesus looked around to see who touched Him.                              

When the woman heard Him, "she approached in fear and trembling." Mark 5:33

Are you afraid to approach Jesus? 
Do not be afraid. Ponder what the woman did. She heard about Jesus and wanted to be cured. She had faith that she would be cured if she could touch His clothes. She touched Him and was immediately healed.

Has it been a long time since you have been to confession? 
Jesus is waiting there for you. Go immediately to the Throne of Grace and tell the priest everything. Lay your burdens and sins down before Him. Tell Jesus you want to be cured. Have faith that He will heal you. Open your heart to receive God's healing Mercy and Sanctifying Grace through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

The woman fell down before Jesus and told Him everything. Then Jesus said to her. "Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction." Mark 5:34

The woman had an encounter with Jesus and she was healed and forever changed. Jesus wants to have an encounter with you. When you confess your sins and tell the priest your miseries, Jesus sends His power upon you through the Absolution the priest gives you. Immediately, sanctifying grace comes down upon you and Jesus heals you of your sins, burdens and afflictions. Come to Him in faith...

Brothers and sisters: Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1-2