Pope reflects on healing of woman suffering from hemorrhage

August 31, 2016

Resuming his weekly catechetical addresses on mercy, Pope Francis devoted his August 31 general audience the Gospel account of the healing of the woman who suffered from a hemorrhage (Mt. 9:20-22).

“This unnamed woman, considered impure according to the Law (cf. Lev. 15:29-30), trusted in Jesus’ mercy and saving power to free her from her illness and isolation,” Pope Francis told the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square, according to the official English-language synthesis of his remarks.

“Filled with deep faith, she reached out and touched his garment,” the Pope continued. “In Hebrew religious tradition, wearing such a garment was a symbol of being clothed with the divine Law, the source of blessing. The woman’s gesture of touching his garment is thus a form of quiet prayer and a sign of hope.”

The Pope added:

Jesus responds by looking upon her with tenderness and acknowledges her dignity. He treats her with love and heals her of her affliction. Faith in Christ brings salvation; it offers healing, restores right relationships between people and affirms our inviolable dignity. Jesus asks all of us to trust in his word and, having experienced his mercy, to be a leaven of that mercy in our world.

 

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Further information:

• L’Udienza Generale, 31.08.2016 (Holy See Press Office)
• Pope Francis General Audience 2016.08.31 (YouTube Vatican)