- today’s gospel reading tells us about two miracles of Jesus
- a healing of a sick woman and an actual resurrection of a dead girl
- the events take place at the sea of Galilee where Jesus has been teaching for a while now
- he’s been telling people about God and his kingdom, healing the sick and performing miracles
- and as the news about him spread quickly throughout the country a great crowd gathered around him

- there were all kinds of people, men and women, young and old, rich and poor
- But why were they there? Why did they follow Jesus?
- they were there because something in their lives wasn’t right, something was missing
- many of them were lonely, many of them didn’t have direction, many struggled with illness, some of them lost their loved ones, some felt guilty because of their sin
- they were there because they wanted a change and they heard and saw that Jesus can help them
- he came as a beacon of hope, as someone who gives strength in the time of trouble and healing in the time of illness, someone who can even give a new life

- just picture that crowd following Jesus, gathered around him, pressing on to him
- can you see yourself in that crowd?
- is there something in your life that needs to be changed, healed, or forgiven?
- do you have a need of someone in your life that will always be there?
- or are you looking for new and better life?
- I believe we are all in that crowd
- the crowd that Jesus came for

- and so what happens next?
- well we have two options: we can stay lost in this crowd or we can step forward and make that leap of faith like Jairus or the sick woman
- the first one comes and in despair falls at Jesus’ feet and repeatedly begs him: come to save my little girl!!!
- the second, afraid to approach Jesus, touches his cloak hoping to be healed

- when the woman found the courage to touch Jesus she didn’t know what would happen
- and as she took that leap of faith, the power had come forth from Jesus and he asked immediately: who touched my clothes?
- he looked around to see who had done it
- when the woman realized she was healed, she fell down before him and told him the truth (pause)
- then we hear these powerful words of Jesus: “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed.”

- as I said we said we have two options: stay lost in the crowd or step forward
- let us all take the same leap of faith as the woman
- let us experience that healing touch of Jesus as he calls us to put our lives into his hands
- for the power of Jesus and the gift of faith, have no boundaries
- are more powerful than anything in this world
- even death itself
- For god so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

- when the messenger of bad news approached Jairus and told him that his daughter had passed away Jesus said: do not fear, only believe!
- there are times in our lives when we think it’s all over, when death, or despair overtake us, and nothing of this world—not friends, family, money… can help us anymore
- that is when we hear the clear call of Jesus, do not fear, only believe!!
- these are the words of Jesus spoken to us today… do not fear, only believe! (pause)

- the little girl was given a new life as Jesus said: Talitha cum, which means: Little girl, get up.
- Jesus says these same words to us: Get up and make that leap of faith that will bring you to new life with me!
- don’t be lost in the crowd anymore, but experience those sweet words of Jesus: your faith has made you well; now go in peace

Amen