Faith will restore your health

July 6

Gospel

Matthew 9:18-26

'Your faith has restored you to health'

While Jesus was speaking, up came one of the officials, who bowed low in front of him and said, ‘My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her and her life will be saved.’ Jesus rose and, with his disciples, followed him. Then from behind him came a woman, who had suffered from a haemorrhage for twelve years, and she touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, ‘If I can only touch his cloak I shall be well again.’ Jesus turned round and saw her; and he said to her, ‘Courage, my daughter, your faith has restored you to health.’ And from that moment the woman was well again.

When Jesus reached the official’s house and saw the flute-players, with the crowd making a commotion he said, ‘Get out of here; the little girl is not dead, she is asleep.’ And they laughed at him. But when the people had been turned out he went inside and took the little girl by the hand; and she stood up. And the news spread all round the countryside.

Reflection

In this passage, Jesus meets two desperate souls: a grieving father and a woman who has suffered in silence for twelve years. Both come to Jesus with unwavering belief—one in the power of a hand laid on death, the other in the healing touch of faith. Jesus responds with compassion, acknowledging the daughter’s faith and drawing near to both faces of vulnerability: the plea of a father, the quiet resolve of a woman. He speaks courage into fear, declares life where others saw death, and invites us to trust not in the visible outcome but in the compassionate presence of God. The miracle is as much about restoration of relationship and hope as it is about physical healing.

Question for reflection

- When have I approached Jesus with a faith that seemed small or uncertain, and how did his presence invite me to hope beyond what I could see?

Short prayer

Lord Jesus, you meet us in our deepest need with tender mercy. Help me to come to you with honest longing, to trust your timing, and to receive your gift of life with grateful heart. Inspire me to extend that faith to others who are waiting for a touch of your compassion. Amen.

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