This Sunday’s Gospel contains two miracle stories (Mark 5). In the first a woman who has had a flow of menstrual blood for 12 years is cured. In the second a 12-year-old girl dies, and Jesus brings her back to life. Generally speaking, the gospels leave out a lot of important details and ramifications—like Jesus defying religious standards of what’s clean and unclean. The woman is “unclean” and yet jostles with the crowd just to touch his robe. Jesus doesn’t just heal her but restores her standing in the community. The child is dead by the time Jesus gets there but that doesn’t stop him from taking her by the hand. She’s also the daughter of a religious leader—someone Jesus very well may have butted heads with. All of this is important, but it is secondary to the fact that a miracle has happened! The stories are told because of the miracle!!

I think most of us as modern Americans are uncomfortable with miracles. We’ve all had Science 101 and have learned from an early age that miracles don’t just happen. And on a deeper level, we’ve all known friends and loved ones for whom a miracle did not happen. What then? Do we ditch Christ the Miracle Worker? Do we rationalize our faith that doesn’t need or ask for miracles? Do we set aside our pain and grief and don’t bring them to Christ the Healer? Perhaps this is the greatest loss—not bringing our full, emotional selves to God when we are in deepest need. “Ask,” Jesus commands (Luke 11:9-13), and he promises the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the Advocate.

I find it difficult to preach on miracles stories. I’ve heard a lot of “miracle stories” over the years, but the rational side of me can qualify them if I let it. The faith side of me, however, is awed and in wonder, and a certain few I vividly remember when they were told to me. Faith isn’t dependent on a “miracle!” Faith is simply trust that God can work one, and the reaching out when we are at our weakest, lowest, saddest, and most in need. All miracle stories begin there.

Peace,
Pr. Christian