We see Jesus here as the giver of life - in the fullest sense of the word. There are two stories, one inside the other, a device that Mark likes to use. It begins with a little girl who is seriously ill and Jesus is asked to lay his hands on her. On the way, a woman who has been suffering from a bleeding problem for twelve years pushes her way through the crowd. Because blood was regarded as unclean by the Jews and they dreaded contact with it, the woman could not approach Jesus openly. Yet, such is her faith that she feels she has only to touch the hem of Jesus' garment for her to be healed. However, Jesus knows that he has been touched and the woman is forced to reveal herself. But her faith has brought the healing she sought. Not only is she physically well, she can now mix freely with people - a totally new life begins for her.

By now the little girl has died and Jesus is told he need not bother. But he urges the family to have faith, he lifts the girl up and gives her back to her family - alive and well. All are overcome with astonishment. Let us pray today for faith and trust in God's love for us which brings fullness of life and let us help others to have fullness of life too.