DESPERATE MEASURES

GOSPEL — MATTHEW 9:9-13, 18-26
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

​You’ve likely heard the saying “Desperate times call for desperate measures.” Today’s gospel features a story within a story, both of women, both restored to life and community. And the actions—of the girl’s father and the woman with the flow of blood—are equal parts desperation and faith.

A father approaches Jesus in his desperation and asks for the inconceivable—that Jesus would lay his hand on his dead daughter and bring her back to life. Our daily news from throughout the world is filled with images of parents taking drastic measures to save their children. Asking this rebellious rabbi to bring the daughter back to life is certainly taking a chance!

Before Jesus even reaches the daughter, he is interrupted by a woman whose desperation has been building for twelve years. Due to a medical condition, she has lived as an outcast. She spends her days plotting her movements so as not to “contaminate” others and is accustomed to being on the outside looking in. Imagine how lonely she is. Her desperation leaves her determined to move through the crowd just to touch the fringe of Jesus’ garment. He responds to this act of faith by looking her in the eye and telling her exactly what an incredible act of faith this was.

In these desperate, faithful stories, the appeal for mercy is met with mercy. What would make us appeal for mercy? A medical diagnosis that leaves us determined to exhaust all treatment possibilities? Praying for the impossible at a loved one’s deathbed? Hurtful circumstances that leave us feeling isolated? Jesus calls Matthew from his tax table, then gathers with him and others around a dinner table with words of mercy. Week after week, Jesus gathers us at his table, because he is desperate to share that same mercy with us.


From sundaysandseasons.com.
Copyright © 2023 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.