Christian Art Today - She touched the fringe of his cloak

Encounter between Jesus and the haemorrhaging woman. By Daniel Cariola, Oil on canvas. 1998 © The Encounter Chapel, Magdala

Gospel of 8th July 2019 - Matthew 9: 18-26

While Jesus was speaking, up came one of the officials, who bowed low in front of him and said, 'My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her and her life will be saved.' Jesus rose and, with his disciples, followed him.

Then from behind him came a woman, who had suffered from a haemorrhage for twelve years, and she touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, 'If I can only touch his cloak I shall be well again.' Jesus turned round and saw her; and he said to her, 'Courage, my daughter, your faith has restored you to health.' And from that moment the woman was well again.

When Jesus reached the official's house and saw the flute-players, with the crowd making a commotion he said, 'Get out of here; the little girl is not dead, she is asleep.' And they laughed at him. But when the people had been turned out he went inside and took the little girl by the hand; and she stood up. And the news spread all round the countryside.

Reflection - Today's painting by Daniel Cariola is hanging behind the altar at the Encounter Chapel in the Holy Land. The floor of this chapel is a historic site, the original 1st century market place of the Magdala port..

To read on see: www.christianart.today/daily-gospel-reading/105