Luke 8: 43-48
The narrow roads of the town were crowded with people who wanted to get near the Master. People were pushing, walking elbow to elbow, as they sought to get closer to Him. She was weak and frail from the loss of blood. She had heard the Master preach, and she had loved Him immediately. She only wanted to get near to Him to ask Him to heal her or just to touch His garment. She knew that, if she could only get close to Him and touch His clothing, she would be healed.
He was so far away from her on this dusty road. The shop keepers called out to Him as He walked past them. He waved and greeted them with that Smile that she could never forget. He seemed to be busy talking to His advisors. She had heard their names, but she could not remember them. She stumbled once, and someone caught her before she fell.
She was a widow, and she had no money left. She had spent all she had to pay the doctors who tried to help her, but the bleeding would not stop. She knew that she was near death. She knew was considered unclean by those around her. Many people would avoid her in the town, but on this dusty road where buildings were so close, and so many sought the Master, no one seemed to notice her. She was relieved to be unseen.
She fought her way through the crowd with all the strength she had. She saw His Mother walking in the crowd. She was hoping that, maybe, if she would catch His Mother's eye, His mother would help her get close to Her Son. His Mother didn't look her way. She, too, was struggling with the crowd. Even though the road was steep and crowded, she was determined. He was her only hope, so she continued on this dusty road, only wanting to touch His garment.
Suddenly, there was an opening in the crowd. She didn't think she would have the strength to get close enough, but she worked her way through the small parting in the sea of people. She was right behind Him. She could smell the sweet fragrance that came from His Body. He and His advisors were still walking and talking. They walked so fast and she had a difficult time catching up. She reached out. She grabbed the hem of His garment. She felt the power flow from Him into her body. The bleeding stopped. She felt energy flow through her body restoring her strength. She realized she had been healed.
Then, she was seized with fear. She had touched this Holy Man of God, and she had been unclean. She turned to leave, but heard Him say, "Who touched Me?" She hid her face in shame. His disciples looked at Him and said, "Master, the crowds have been so great. There are many people touching You as they walk with You." He spoke with authority saying, "Someone touched Me. I felt power flow out from Me." He searched the the crowd with His gentle eyes. She knew she must go to Him and admit her great shame.
She was trembling with fear as the crowds separated to let her draw near to the Master. Her legs could barely support the weight of her body they were trembling so much. She shook with fear and knelt in front of Him and said, "Master, I touched Your hem, and I was healed." He held her face in His strong hands and smiled. She didn't want to look at Him. She was filled with shame at what she had done. He lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. "Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in Peace."
His eyes! She could never forget His eyes full of tenderness and mercy. He helped her to stand up. Tears streamed down her face as she looked at Him. He smiled at her. Then He turned around, and the crowd followed Him, and she was left standing alone in the street. She looked ahead, and she saw His Mother looking back at her and smiling. She waved. His Mother waved. Then the two women turned away from each other filled with Love by the Master. She was at peace.
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