The unnamed woman meditation

heal? (Photo credit: atomicity)The woman who reached out to Jesus, barely touching the hem of his garment, tested Jairus' patience and increased his anxiety. Jesus, don't you realize that my daughter's health is too critical to delay? And for whom are you lingering?! For this shameful woman! (my take on his thoughts) But, for the moment, he wasn't given any option. He simply had to wait on Jesus, his only hope.

The unnamed woman....

Penniless, having spent every last denarius on doctors, to no avail.

Ceremonially unclean, just like every other Hebrew woman during her monthly period (Lev 15:19) yet, for her, a permanent state throughout these 12 harsh years.

Shunned by the religious who would not sacrifice their own ceremonial purity through coming in contact with her (Lev 22:5).

Burdened by the shame which had grown increasingly heavy, until she could bear it no more.

She reached out to Jesus in desperation and faith. Though I don't dare to ask and would never ask him to touch me, perhaps if I could just touch his robe....

She reached through the crowd and touched the hem of his garment, and felt his power move through her. Her physical healing was immediate, occurring before a word was spoken. Yet the shame held her still. "Who touched me?" Jesus insisted on knowing. Falling fearfully at his feet, she declared the reason for her daring act and confessed the healing she knew she had just experienced.

Once her confession was made, the grace of healing was made complete. For Jesus' words applied balm to her soul, just as his unspoken power had done to her womb.

"Daughter" Care, belonging, her shame cast away.

"Your faith has made you well." Reinstated, no longer an outcast. Restored!

"Go in peace." Her soul soared! Blessed by the Master. Her freedom gained. Filled with gratitude, hope and overwhelming joy.

How I wish we knew this woman's name! Yet nameless she stands for countless others who are shrouded in shame.

In a way unique to my journey, I can identify with the weariness of her struggle. I recognize the long road to wholeness and the longing to cast off the shame which has wrapped itself around me, threatening to steal my sense of self. The immediacy of the woman's healing and Jesus' tender affirmation encourages me that my own healing can also be complete and lasting.