Reading Sunday of the Hemorrhaging Woman

2 Corinthians 7:4-11
I have great confidence in you, I have great pride in you; I am filled with encouragement, I am overflowing with joy all the more because of all our affliction. For even when we came into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted in every way–external conflicts, internal fears. But God, who encourages the downcast, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus, and not only by his arrival but also by the encouragement with which he was encouraged in regard to you, as he told us of your yearning, your lament, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more. For even if I saddened you by my letter, I do not regret it; and if I did regret it ((for) I see that that letter saddened you, if only for a while), I rejoice now, not because you were saddened, but because you were saddened into repentance; for you were saddened in a godly way, so that you did not suffer loss in anything because of us. For godly sorrow produces a salutary repentance without regret, but worldly sorrow produces death. For behold what earnestness this godly sorrow has produced for you, as well as readiness for a defense, and indignation, and fear, and yearning, and zeal, and punishment. In every way you have shown yourselves to be innocent in the matter. Praise be to God always.
Luke 8:40-56
When Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. And a man named Jairus, an official of the synagogue, came forward. He fell at the feet of Jesus and begged him to come to his house, because he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, and she was dying. As he went, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years, who (had spent her whole livelihood on doctors and) was unable to be cured by anyone, came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. Immediately her bleeding stopped. Jesus then asked, “Who touched me?” While all were denying it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds are pushing and pressing in upon you.” But Jesus said, “Someone has touched me; for I know that power has gone out from me.” When the woman realized that she had not escaped notice, she came forward trembling. Falling down before him, she explained in the presence of all the people why she had touched him and how she had been healed immediately. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you; go in peace.” While he was still speaking, someone from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the teacher any longer.” On hearing this, Jesus answered him, “Do not be afraid; just have faith and she will be saved.” When he arrived at the house he allowed no one to enter with him except Peter and John and James, and the child’s father and mother. All were weeping and mourning for her, when he said, “Do not weep any longer, for she is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed him, because they knew that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and called to her, “Child, arise!” Her breath returned and she immediately arose. He then directed that she should be given something to eat. Her parents were astounded, and he instructed them to tell no one what had happened. This is the Truth. Peace be with you.

Faith is greater than proximity. When Jesus returns, he is surrounded by people, looking for miracles or for entertainment. They are close to Him, but they do not all have faith. Likewise it is not because the woman touched Jesus, but it was her faith that saved her. When Jesus goes to heal the girl, many are there, but Jesus tells the father that if he has faith his daughter will be saved. Although people are all around Jesus it is the man with faith whose daughter receives life. We can surround ourselves with churchy things sometimes, but this only makes us a collector or an observer and not one of the faithful. If we have faith to go to Jesus in front of others, to bring Jesus with us when people mock us, and let him into our hearts when people ridicule Him, then we too will be saved. What is faith? Faith is looking at something dead and knowing that it is not the end. Faith is “troubling” God when others have given up. Faith is courage in the face of tremendous circumstances because God is with you. Faith is in the heart and in the mind, in puts God always in our thoughts and love always in our actions. The heart is closer than touch and Faith is greater than proximity.