The Memorial of St Agatha

Heb. 12:1-4, Mk 5:21-43. Mark often drives home a lesson by inserting one story within another. In today's Gospel, the healing of the daughter of Jairus is interrupted by the account of Jesus healing a woman who had suffered for twelve years (the same age as the child) from a flow of blood. In a revea­ling comment, Jesus felt the healing power had gone from Him. Apparently this power had been activated by the simple faith of a poor sick wo­man, who had sought to touch His garment. In stepping forward, the woman braced herself against the crowd. Her condition rendered her unclean. Her touch had the power of defilement. Yet she dared to touch the garment of Jesus, trusting that the power of Jesus was at the service of love, not judgment.

In touching His garment she immediately felt healed. Christ was present in that crowd in all His love and power. However, it was a poor, frightened, untouchable woman whose faith recognised that power, ­awakened it with a touch and brought it into full view. St Agatha whose memorial we celebrate also recognised the power of Jesus as she laid down her life during the persecution of Decius (250-253). Devotion to her was widespread in the Church in the earliest times and she is mentioned in the Roman Canon of the Mass.

May the Lord clothe us with light and unite us under the banner of love, that we may receive our eternal reward after this earthly life! Amen!! Good morning and have a glorious day!!!