To Touch His Hem

The passage of today was from Matthew 9, but I have already contemplated this event through Mark 5, so I have dug up my notes on it to share with you here. I love to do these meditations because when they come up as mass readings I can just close my eyes and re-enter the event.

I am a part of the huge crowd pressing in on Jesus. My hand is touching Him. I feel the warmth of His body. I am comforted that I am so close to Him. How is it that I am so fortunate as to be so close to Him, to touch Him?! I love Him. I do not want to ever leave Him.

Then I hear Him say: "Who has touched My clothes?" Like the apostles, I wonder what He means. I am, of course, touching Him , but so are so many others. Tears come to my eyes as I realize that He knows each one of us so well. He must have felt a "special touch." Knowing our hearts completely He takes time out from this moving mob to illuminate the "one who touched" Him, though she never asked for any attention and was willing to live out her great faith in the quietness of her heart. And oh! how embarrassed she is that He takes notice of her! She did not mean to cause any commotion, but the Great One silences the whole crowd in order to draw attention to her. She is flabbergasted and flustered as she stammers for words in order to reveal the beauty of her soul. Such Great Faith in such a little humble lady!

Oh Jesus, thank You for doing this!... for pointing out what really matters in life! It is not the rich and famous You take note of but this simple , little, frail woman. I see the twinkling eyes sparkle on that aged face as she quietly, oh so quietly, tries to explain to the stunned crowd what has happened. The smile on her lovely, wrinkled face beams as she, at a loss for words, shakes her head repeatedly, clasps her hands together and bows

before Jesus. "Thank You!" comes her quivering voice. "Thank You!" is all she can say as Jesus respectfully helps her up. His loving arms surround her as He blesses her with peace and commends her faith. She is old and therefore not able to keep pace with the swiftly moving crowd so Jesus clears a path for her to return safely to her home, not far away, and appoints two of us to escort her there. She is still beaming with joy and maneuvers herself around to catch sight of Jesus once more before He is completely lost from her view. They flash a knowing glance towards each other. I see that look again upon His lovely face! It is a Lover's glance for His Beloved! She throws her hand high into the air to wave her farewell as He pushes on to His destination. I see His hand waving back to her just before I lose sight of Him.

The lady closes her eyes, her face still beaming beautifully bright, and from that moment on receives Him into her heart and home forever more. I hug her tightly and then rush back to try and be as close as I can to Jesus.