If I only touch

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

Hosea 2:16-18, 21-22 Psalm 145:2-9 Matthew 9:18-26

Matthew 9:21  for she said to herself, "If I only touch his garment, I shall be made well."

My question is where in all the law and all the rules and all the scripture is anybody instructed or otherwise recorded as having thought that if they only touch the cloak if Jesus they could be healed?

We spend so much energy debating the details of the faith and we miss the big picture.  We miss that fact that Jesus is God and there is a sacramental reality to him.  God became flesh and dwelt among us.  Yes, it may be reasonable to think that if we only touch his cloak...

The woman was commended for her great faith, not for her obedience to the rules of men.  She could see that Jesus was God.  She didn't think that she could use a symbolic cloth and touch it and be healed.  She didn't think that it was even necessary to make her request known to Jesus. She didn't think that she needed to do some great righteous act.  She thought that all she needed to do was touch his cloak.

Jesus gives is that kind of gift in the sacraments.  His real presence.  And there, if we believe, we can touch him and be healed.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to see and believe that you are truly present in the sacraments and in my life.  I need only to believe and then touch , or eat, your promise and your presence.

Amen