LUKE 8:43-48
JESUS HEALING THE WOMAN WITH A HEMORRHAGE
INTRODUCTION
In Luke 8:43-48, we encounter the story of Jesus healing a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years. This event takes place as Jesus was on his way to heal Jairus’ daughter, but the woman’s faith-filled action of touching the fringe of Jesus’ cloak becomes a powerful moment in itself. According to Jewish law at the time, a woman with a hemorrhage would have been considered ritually unclean (Lev 15:25-27), making her socially isolated and unable to participate in religious or communal life. The woman’s boldness in seeking healing from Jesus, despite these barriers, demonstrates her deep faith and trust in His divine power. When she touches His garment, she is immediately healed, showing the power of Christ’s mercy over social and religious restrictions.
In the present day, this passage highlights the importance of faith and persistence in approaching God, even when circumstances seem hopeless. Jesus’ response to the woman, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace,” reveals that He values personal faith and the courage to seek His help, regardless of societal judgment. This account encourages Christians to approach God with humility and trust, knowing that no barrier, whether physical or spiritual, can keep Christ from extending His healing and grace to those who earnestly seek Him.
Luke 8:43-44 “And a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years, who [had spent her whole livelihood on doctors and] was unable to be cured by anyone, came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. Immediately her bleeding stopped.”
Context and Jewish Practices
In the time of Jesus, the woman suffering from continuous bleeding would have been considered ritually unclean according to the Mosaic Law (Lev 15:25-27). This condition caused her to experience not only physical pain but also profound social and spiritual isolation. The law dictated that anything or anyone she touched would also become unclean, effectively ostracizing her from society and religious life.
According to the Gospel accounts, this woman had suffered from her condition for twelve years, the same age as Jairus’ daughter, whom Jesus was on His way to heal (Lk 8:42). The number twelve has biblical significance, often symbolizing completeness or the people of God, as seen in the twelve tribes of Israel. This woman’s twelve years of suffering represented a long period of isolation, during which she had spent all her resources seeking help from physicians, but none could cure her (Lk 8:43). Mark even notes that her condition worsened despite these efforts (Mk 5:26). Her struggle highlights the gravity of her situation and sets the stage for the profound nature of her healing.
The Woman’s Act of Faith
Despite her desperate situation, the woman’s faith in Jesus’ ability to heal her was unshakable. She believed that simply touching the edge of His cloak would be enough to cure her, a belief rooted in the understanding of Jesus as the Messiah. The “fringe” or “tassel” of His garment that she touched (Lk 8:44) refers to the tassels Jewish men were commanded to wear on the corners of their garments as a reminder of God’s commandments (Num 15:38-40). These tassels symbolized the holiness of God’s law, and by touching one, the woman expressed her belief in Jesus as the fulfillment of those divine promises.
Her action was not just a last attempt at healing but a profound expression of faith. In a crowded space where the people pressed in on Jesus, she managed to touch His cloak in secret, afraid of being publicly exposed due to her condition. The touch of His garment was enough to stop her bleeding immediately, a testament to both her faith and the divine power of Jesus. As Matthew’s Gospel recounts, “If I just touch his clothes, I shall be healed” (Mt 9:21).
Jesus’ Healing and Restoration
Jesus’ response to the woman’s faith is significant. When she touched Him, He noticed the power leaving Him, asking, “Who touched me?” (Lk 8:45). The disciples were puzzled, given the crowd pressing around Him, but Jesus was aware of the unique touch of faith. When the woman came forward, Jesus assured her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you; go in peace” (Lk 8:48). This statement reveals the deeper nature of her healing – beyond physical restoration, she was also spiritually healed and reintegrated into the community from which she had been excluded.
The story of the hemorrhaging woman emphasizes that Jesus heals not only the body but also restores the person’s dignity, relationships, and standing before God. Her healing symbolizes the power of Christ to break down barriers of exclusion and isolation, transforming the lives of those who approach Him with faith.
A Catholic Understanding
From a Catholic perspective, this miracle demonstrates the nature of Jesus’ ministry. His healings are signs of the coming of God’s kingdom and reflect the holistic salvation He offers. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1504), Christ’s miracles are expressions of His divine compassion, where He not only cures physical ailments but also addresses spiritual needs, restoring wholeness to the person. This is reflected in the Church’s understanding of the Sacraments, particularly the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, where the faithful seek Christ’s healing through faith (CCC 1509).
The woman’s act of touching the tassel of Jesus’ garment also recalls the healing power associated with holy objects and relics in the Catholic tradition. Just as the tassel of Jesus’ garment carried divine healing power, the faithful continue to seek God’s grace through sacraments, sacramentals, and relics of saints, believing in their power to mediate divine blessings and healing.
Reflection for Our Lives
The woman’s courageous faith in approaching Jesus challenges us to consider how we, too, approach Christ in our times of need. Whether we face physical, emotional, or spiritual wounds, this passage reminds us that Jesus is always available to those who seek Him in faith. No matter how long we have suffered or how isolated we may feel, Jesus welcomes us with compassion and offers the restoration we need.
Moreover, this story invites us to be mindful of those who are marginalized or excluded in our own communities. Just as Jesus extended healing and dignity to this woman, we are called to show mercy and compassion to others, especially those who are suffering or isolated.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of the woman who touched the garment of Jesus in faith. Help us to have the same faith in Your power to heal and restore us. Grant us the courage to bring all our wounds to You, trusting that You will never turn us away. We pray for those who feel isolated or abandoned in their suffering, that they may encounter Your healing grace. May we be instruments of Your love and compassion, bringing hope and healing to those in need. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Luke 8:45 “Jesus then asked, ‘Who touched me?’ While all were denying it, Peter said, ‘Master, the crowds are pushing and pressing in upon you.’”
As Jesus was on His way to heal Jairus’ daughter, a large crowd gathered around Him, pressing upon Him from every side. Among the crowd was a woman who had been suffering from a chronic hemorrhage. Under Jewish purity laws (Lev 15:25–30), such a condition rendered her ceremonially unclean, excluding her from society and religious practices. Her desperation led her to silently touch the hem of Jesus’ garment, believing that even this small act of faith could heal her. And indeed, the moment she touched His garment, she was healed.
Jesus’ Question: “Who Touched Me?”
Jesus’ question, “Who touched me?” seemed strange to the disciples, especially Peter, due to the crowded and chaotic atmosphere. Peter’s response was pragmatic: “Master, the multitudes surround you and press upon you!” This reaction shows a misunderstanding of what Jesus meant. Many were physically pressing on Jesus, but only one person touched Him with faith.
Jesus was not asking out of ignorance – He knew who touched Him. His question was an invitation for the woman to step forward, to declare her faith, and to acknowledge the healing she received. This moment was not just about physical healing but about a deeper, personal encounter with Jesus.
The Significance of the Healing
This event shows several profound truths about Christ:
1. Christ’s Human and Divine Nature: Jesus’ question, “Who touched me?” demonstrates His human nature – He was physically in a crowd and felt a touch. Yet, His ability to sense the touch of faith and heal instantly reveals His divine power. The Catholic Church teaches that Christ is both fully human and fully divine (CCC 470), and this story beautifully illustrates this union of natures.
2. Personal Encounter with Jesus: Jesus desires more than just anonymous interactions. Even though the woman was healed immediately, Jesus wanted her to step forward, to make her act of faith public. This shows that Jesus seeks a personal relationship with each of us. In the sacraments, particularly in the Eucharist, Christ continues to offer us the opportunity for personal encounters, where we not only receive His grace but are called into a deeper relationship with Him.
3. The Power of Faith: The woman’s healing was not due merely to physical contact with Jesus, but because of her faith. Jesus affirms this when He later tells her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you; go in peace” (Lk 8:48). The Catechism teaches that faith is the means through which we receive grace (CCC 1129), and this healing demonstrates how powerful faith can be.
4. Restoration and Dignity: By healing the woman and calling her “daughter,” Jesus not only cures her physically but also restores her socially and spiritually. She had been an outcast because of her condition, but Jesus publicly acknowledges her, restoring her dignity. This teaches us that Jesus’ healing is holistic, offering both physical and spiritual restoration.
Reflection
This passage has significant spiritual implications. Like the woman who reached out to Jesus in faith, we are encouraged to approach Christ confidently, especially in the sacraments. Through the Eucharist and Reconciliation, we too can experience His healing power. This story is also a reminder that no matter how unnoticed or insignificant we may feel, Christ sees our faith and responds to it.
This narrative invites us to reflect on our own faith and relationship with Christ. Are we, like the woman, bold enough to reach out to Him in faith, despite our fears and societal pressures? Do we believe that Jesus is aware of our personal struggles, and do we trust Him to heal and transform us?
Peter’s response in Luke 8:45 represents a misunderstanding of Jesus’ sensitivity to faith. Amidst the crowd, many were physically pressing on Jesus, yet only one touched Him with faith. Similarly, in our busy lives, we might be present in prayer or the sacraments without truly engaging in faith. Jesus calls us to more than just physical presence – He invites us into a personal relationship where our faith becomes the bridge to His grace.
The story of the woman with the hemorrhage and Jesus’ question, “Who touched me?” is a powerful reminder of the personal nature of faith. While many in the crowd pressed upon Jesus, only one touched Him with faith. This passage challenges us to reflect on the quality of our own faith and invites us to seek personal encounters with Christ, who is always ready to heal and restore us.
Prayer for Deeper Faith
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of the woman with the hemorrhage, who approached Your Son, Jesus, with faith and humility. Help us to have the same courage to reach out to Him in our times of need, trusting that He knows our hearts and desires to heal and restore us. May we never doubt His love and care for us, even when we are surrounded by challenges. Strengthen our faith so that we may always seek You in the sacraments, knowing that through them, You grant us Your grace and healing. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Luke 8:46 “But Jesus said, ‘Someone has touched me; for I know that power has gone out from me.’”
This passage highlights several key theological principles that reveal both the humanity and divinity of Jesus and provide deep spiritual insights for us today.
Christ’s Omniscience and Compassion
While Jesus, in His human nature, may not have seen the woman touch Him, His divine nature was fully aware. When He asserts, “Someone touched me,” He asserts that this was no casual contact but a deliberate act of faith. The woman approached Jesus with the intent of receiving healing, and she was not disappointed.
This scene highlights Christ’s omniscience. He was aware not only of the physical touch but also of the faith behind it. Despite the limitations of His human form, He felt the power go out from Him, signifying His divine authority over illness and suffering. Jesus, fully aware of the woman’s desperate need, chose to heal her, demonstrating His compassion and readiness to respond to genuine acts of faith.
The Power of Faith
The woman’s touch was not an accidental brush against Jesus in a crowded street but an intentional act of trust in His ability to heal. This teaches us the importance of approaching Jesus with sincere faith. Her belief that merely touching Jesus’ garment would heal her resonates with the Catholic understanding of the physical means through which divine grace operates, such as the sacraments.
Jesus responds by telling the woman, “Daughter, your faith has saved you; go in peace” (Lk 8:48). This statement affirms the vital role of faith in receiving God’s healing grace. Faith is not merely intellectual assent but an active trust in God’s power and willingness to intervene in our lives. The woman’s healing was not solely about physical restoration; it also pointed to the deeper salvation that Jesus offers to those who believe in Him.
The Sacramentality of Grace
This passage also reveals the physicality of divine grace, aligning with the Catholic teaching on sacramentality. Just as the woman received healing through physical contact with Jesus, the Church teaches that God’s grace can be dispensed through physical means. The sacraments, such as the Eucharist and Anointing of the Sick, are channels through which God imparts His grace to believers. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1504) explains that Jesus heals the whole person, emphasizing that physical elements, like water or bread and wine, become instruments of divine grace.
Jesus’ awareness that power had gone out from Him indicates His active participation in the healing process, much like how He is present in the sacraments today. His willingness to allow the woman to receive this power by faith also reflects His continued desire to offer healing and grace to all who come to Him with trust and sincerity.
Personal Encounter and God’s Love
Another significant aspect of this passage is the personal manner in which Jesus addresses the woman. By calling her “Daughter,” He affirms her dignity and His personal concern for her. This reflects the intimate relationship God desires with each of us. Jesus’ healing is not distant or impersonal; it is a direct, loving encounter with the individual. The Church teaches that God’s grace is given personally to each believer, emphasizing the personal nature of God’s love and care for us (CCC 270).
In this healing moment, Jesus not only cures the woman’s physical ailment but also restores her socially and spiritually. She had been ostracized due to her condition, but Jesus’ acknowledgment of her faith and His calling her “Daughter” reintegrates her into the community of believers, showing that His healing power extends beyond physical ailments to touch the whole person.
A Call to Approach Jesus in Faith
As Christians, we are called to approach Jesus with the same faith as the woman in this passage. Our Lord is always aware of our needs and ready to extend His healing touch to us. However, we must reach out to Him in faith, trusting in His power and love. Often, we approach Jesus like casual bystanders, attending church or participating in sacraments without the deep faith required to experience His transformative grace. This story reminds us that true healing comes when we seek Jesus with sincere hearts and trust in His divine ability to restore us.
The sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, provide us with direct contact with Jesus today. Like the woman, we can receive His grace and healing power through these sacred encounters. Faith plays a critical role in opening ourselves to the fullness of God’s grace. We must trust, as the woman did, that even the smallest act of reaching out to Jesus can bring about profound change in our lives.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with faith, trusting in Your healing power. Just as the woman touched Jesus and was healed, we ask You to touch our hearts and lives. Strengthen our faith, especially in times of doubt or suffering. Help us to approach You in the sacraments, trusting in Your grace to heal and transform us. May we never hesitate to reach out to You, knowing that You are always near and ready to restore us.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Luke 8:47 ” When the woman realized that she had not escaped notice, she came forward trembling. Falling down before him, she explained in the presence of all the people why she had touched him and how she had been healed immediately.”
The woman’s actions – falling at Jesus’ feet and confessing before the crowd – expressed her humility, gratitude, and profound acknowledgment of Christ’s power.
Jesus’ Response: A Moment of Restoration
Rather than rebuking the woman for her audacity or her ritually unclean state, Jesus publicly affirmed her faith. He addressed her as “Daughter,” a term of endearment, restoring not only her health but her dignity and status within the community. By healing her in this way, Jesus demonstrated His deep compassion and mercy, as well as His power to heal beyond just physical afflictions. Her faith had saved her, and Jesus wanted everyone to understand that.
Interpretation
In this powerful moment, Jesus’ interaction with the woman highlights several important spiritual lessons:
1. Faith in Action: The woman’s belief in Jesus’ power drove her to take action, even if it was in secret. Her faith, combined with her humility and courage, led to her healing.
2. Public Witness: By making the woman’s healing public, Jesus not only affirmed her faith but also removed the stigma surrounding her condition. This allowed the crowd to see her healing as an act of divine intervention and mercy. We are reminded of the importance of publicly sharing what God has done in our lives, giving glory to Him and strengthening the faith of others.
3. Compassion and Healing: Jesus’ healing of the woman shows His deep compassion for human suffering. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that Christ’s miracles were intended to elicit faith and reveal God’s Kingdom (CCC 548). In this encounter, Jesus reveals not only His divine power but also His concern for the whole person – physical, emotional, and spiritual.
4. Restoration to the Community: Jesus’ public acknowledgment of the woman’s faith and healing symbolized her reintegration into society. In the same way, God’s grace restores us, not only to spiritual wholeness but to full participation in the Christian community.
Theological Reflection
The woman’s journey mirrors the struggles we face in our own spiritual lives. Many of us, like her, carry hidden wounds – emotional, physical, or spiritual – that isolate us or make us feel unworthy. Yet, this Gospel passage assures us that Jesus is always ready to heal us, no matter our state. When we approach Him with faith, even if quietly or in fear, He responds with compassion, healing, and restoration.
Her trembling before Jesus is a powerful image of the reverence and holy fear we should have before the Lord, yet her story also reminds us of the confidence we can have in His mercy and love. St. Ambrose comments on this passage, noting that the woman’s prostration before Jesus is an act of worship, acknowledging His divine power.
Catholic Teachings and Reflections
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that Jesus’ healing miracles are signs of the Kingdom of God and His mission to heal all of humanity (CCC 1503). The physical healings in the Gospels point to a deeper spiritual healing, the salvation Christ brings to humanity (CCC 1505).
This passage also emphasizes the communal nature of salvation. Jesus makes the healing public, reintegrating the woman into society and showing that salvation is not just personal but communal. Our faith is lived out within the Church, where we are healed and restored alongside others.
Reflection
We are reminded of the importance of faith in seeking healing and restoration. The woman’s faith in Jesus, though quiet, was powerful enough to lead to her healing. Like her, we must actively seek Christ in our lives, knowing that He sees and responds to our needs with love and mercy. Her story encourages us to approach Jesus with humility and trust, knowing that He desires to restore us completely.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come to You with faith, just as the woman approached Your Son in her time of need. We ask for Your healing power in our lives, in whatever form we need it—physical, emotional, or spiritual. Lord Jesus, You know the hidden wounds we carry. Restore us to wholeness and grant us the peace only You can give. Holy Spirit, increase our faith so that we may experience the transformative power of God’s grace. May we, like the woman, bear witness to Your love, mercy, and healing. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Luke 8:48 “And he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.’”
Key Themes in the Passage
1. Jesus’ Tenderness and Familial Love
Jesus addresses the woman as “Daughter,” indicating a personal and loving relationship. This term reflects His deep compassion and the familial relationship between God and His children. As St. Paul notes in Romans 8:15-16, God is our loving Father, and through Jesus, we are adopted into His divine family.
2. Faith as the Means of Healing
While the power to heal came from Christ, Jesus affirms that it was the woman’s faith that allowed her to receive this healing. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, “Faith is necessary for healing” (CCC 1504). Her active faith, not passive, led her to seek Jesus out, trusting in His power to heal.
3. Complete Healing and Restoration
Jesus tells the woman that her faith has made her “well” or “whole.” This indicates more than just physical healing – it encompasses the restoration of her dignity, identity, and place within her community. She was not only healed bodily but also spiritually and socially. In this way, Jesus restores her to fullness of life and community.
4. Peace as a Fruit of Reconciliation
Jesus concludes by telling the woman to “go in peace,” which implies more than a simple farewell. The peace He gives is the shalom of God – harmony with God, oneself, and others. As St. Paul writes, “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:1). This divine peace is a sign of reconciliation and spiritual restoration.
Jewish and Historical Context
In the Jewish context of the time, this healing was even more significant. According to Levitical law, a woman experiencing a discharge of blood was considered ritually unclean (Lev 15:25-30). For twelve long years, the woman had been isolated, unable to fully participate in community life or religious worship. Her condition left her not only physically suffering but also socially and spiritually marginalized.
In approaching Jesus and touching His cloak, the woman broke societal norms and religious taboos. Yet, her faith transcended these laws, and Jesus responded by publicly acknowledging her and restoring her. In this sense, her healing is also symbolic of the redemption and acceptance we receive in Christ, despite the barriers society may place upon us.
Sacramental Significance
The Church views this passage as a reflection of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation. Just as the woman was healed by touching the garment of Christ, we are healed and receive grace through our encounter with Christ in the sacraments. The Catechism explains: “By His passion and death on the cross Christ has given a new meaning to suffering: it can henceforth configure us to Him and unite us with His redemptive Passion” (CCC 1505). In this way, the woman’s healing points to the greater redemptive power of Christ’s sacrifice, which heals not just physically, but spiritually.
Personal Reflection
The story of the woman with the hemorrhage provides a powerful reminder of the role of faith in our relationship with God. Like her, we may face situations that leave us feeling hopeless, isolated, or powerless. Yet, Jesus invites us to approach Him in faith, confident in His love and power to heal. His message to her – “go in peace” – remains His message to us today. In Christ, we find not only physical healing but also the peace that comes from being reconciled with God and others.
Application to Our Lives
This passage challenges us to ask ourselves: Do we approach Jesus with the same faith as the woman? Are we willing to reach out to Him, even when it feels like all other options have failed? Faith in Christ opens the door to healing and restoration. It allows us to experience His grace and peace in ways that go beyond our understanding.
In our own struggles – whether they be physical illness, emotional wounds, or spiritual suffering – Jesus is always near, waiting for us to seek Him with faith. As we approach Him, especially through the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist, we receive His healing touch and the peace that only He can give.
Conclusion
The healing of the woman in Luke 8:48 teaches us that faith is not passive but an active trust in Jesus’ power to heal and restore. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of faith and an invitation to all of us to seek Christ, knowing that He desires to make us whole – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In Him, we find true peace and reconciliation with God.
For further reflection, consider how you can strengthen your own faith and relationship with Jesus, especially through regular participation in the sacraments, where His healing grace is abundantly available to us all.
Prayer for Healing and Faith
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of faith that leads us to Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to approach Him with the same courage and trust as the woman in today’s Gospel. Heal us from all that ails us, both in body and spirit, and restore us to peace with You and with one another. May our faith grow stronger each day, so that we may witness Your love and grace in our lives. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
CONCLUSION
The story of Jesus healing the woman with a hemorrhage serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and persistence. Despite her long years of suffering and societal isolation, the woman’s unwavering belief in Christ’s power led to her complete healing. Her bold action in reaching out to Jesus, even in a crowd, demonstrates that faith is an active trust that transcends societal and religious barriers. Jesus’ response, “Daughter, your faith has made you well,” not only affirms her physical healing but also restores her dignity and reintegrates her into the community.
This passage also encourages us to approach Jesus with the same faith, knowing that no matter the challenges or how isolated we may feel, He is always near and ready to heal. In our own lives, we are called to seek Christ persistently, trusting in His mercy and grace. Just as the woman’s faith led to her restoration, our faith opens the door to Christ’s transformative power, bringing healing, peace, and reconciliation into our lives.
PRAYER
Loving Father, we thank You for the gift of faith that allows us to approach Your Son with trust and hope. Strengthen our belief in His power to heal and restore us, both in body and spirit. Grant us the courage to reach out to Him, even in our moments of fear or isolation. Help us to experience the peace and wholeness that only Christ can give. May we always turn to You with faith, confident in Your unfailing love. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.