June 2005 by E. Louise Williams
(Click here for downloadable artwork)

Holy Interruption
Matthew 9:20–22

“If I only touch Jesus’ cloak, I will be made well.” —Matthew 9:21b

It came as an interruption. Jesus was on a mission—responding to the request of an important leader whose daughter had just died. An insignificant person who had at least two strikes against her interrupted the trip. She was a woman, that is, a person without much status or many rights in that culture. Secondly, she had been bleeding for twelve years, making her unclean according to the religious laws of the day. She would have been outcast and isolated. People would not have touched her lest they, too, became unclean.

No doubt, this unnamed woman felt insignificant and too unworthy to approach Jesus directly—as the leader had. She only wanted to touch the tassels on the outer garment of the one who had been healing so many throughout the land.

When she reached out and touched Jesus’ cloak, Jesus stopped, noticed, and addressed her directly: “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” Her life was changed forever. She had not interrupted Jesus. She was part of Jesus’ mission, too, for no one is too insignificant or unworthy for God’s amazing grace. That’s good news, especially when we feel outcast, isolated, insignificant, or unworthy.

Jesus’ example reminds us to be open to interruptions—especially when they come from those outside the inner circle. We may find that what looks like an interruption is really a part of our mission, too. And in the one who cries for help from the margins, we may well find a whole and healing faith that will inspire and encourage us all.

For reflection and discussion: Have you ever experienced an interruption that proved to be a special opportunity to share God’s grace? In your congregation or community, who are the people on the margins who might be reaching out to touch “the fringes” of your garment?

Prayer: Gracious God, open us to interruptions that are part of your mission, too. Amen.