Breaking Barriers Like JesusSample

Encounter with the Bleeding Woman

Communities often grapple with balancing the preservation of traditional practices with the need for social progress and inclusivity.

In traditional Jewish law, women were considered ritually impure during their monthly cycle. This status imposed certain restrictions, including: separation from their husband, exclusion from participating in certain religious rituals, and ritual bath after the menstrual period to regain purity.

In this passage, a woman with a 12-year-long hemorrhage touches Jesus' clothes, seeking healing. Jesus, aware of the power that has left him, publicly acknowledges the woman, defying traditional Jewish purity laws. By doing so, he challenges societal norms that stigmatize individuals with certain conditions, affirms the woman's dignity and worth, and shifts focus from ritual impurity to the power of faith.

Jesus recognized that someone had touched him, and he felt the power emanating from him. Given the context of Jewish law, it would have been prudent for him to remain silent about the incident, thereby avoiding public exposure of the woman and potential repercussions for her. However, Jesus chose to acknowledge her publicly, intentionally challenging societal norms and taboos surrounding her condition. By doing so, he affirmed her worth, dignity, and honor, effectively reinterpreting the law to prioritize compassion and inclusivity.

Reflect:

1. How can I work to break down societal or cultural barriers that marginalize individuals, and instead promote understanding and acceptance?

2. Am I open to recognizing and appreciating the resilience, determination, and faith of others, even if their experiences differ from mine?

3. What actions can I take to foster an environment of dignity, respect, and inclusivity in my daily interactions, and how can I be a catalyst for positive change?

Prayer: Lord, grant me the strength to dismantle barriers and embrace those marginalized by society. Empower me to uphold the dignity of all individuals, extending love and kindness to those often overlooked. May my actions reflect your teachings, fostering an environment of inclusivity and compassion. Amen.