Often Jesus is asked to heal someone who is sick. Today is different. The leader of the synagogue says his daughter is already dead. He kneels and asks Jesus to lay hands on her because he believes that Jesus' power is greater than death. This is an act of great faith.

On the way, Jesus encounters a woman who has been suffering for twelve years. More than physical pain, she was likely socially isolated. In light of the law, a person who is bleeding should not touch others. Understandably, she was afraid to approach Jesus about her problem. Yet she believes as long as she can touch his clothes, it is enough to bring healing. This is an act of great faith.

Sometimes in life, we suffer and suffer for a long time. Eventually, it is tempting to think that the situation will never change, that it is beyond hope of ever getting better. Jesus is the Lord of life. Today Jesus reminds us that, for God, nothing is impossible.

In my life is there a situation that seems it will never improve, a relationship that appears dead or a wound that is in need of healing? What would it be like to ask Jesus to change this?