MATTHEW 9:18–26 – THE OFFICIAL’S DAUGHTER AND THE WOMAN WITH A HEMORRHAGE
FAITH THAT TOUCHES JESUS AND RESTORES LIFE
Introduction
This Gospel passage presents two intertwined miracles that reveal the power of faith and the compassionate heart of Jesus. On His way to restore life to a young girl, Jesus pauses to heal a woman who has suffered silently for twelve years. In both situations—public grief and hidden pain—Jesus responds to faith, showing that no condition is beyond His power and no person is unnoticed by His love.
Bible Passage (Mt 9:18–26)
While he was saying these things to them, an official came forward, knelt down before him, and said, “My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples. A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.” Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured. When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion, he said, “Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they ridiculed him. When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose. And news of this spread throughout all that land.
Background
This episode follows Jesus’ teaching on newness of life and inner renewal. Matthew places these miracles together to show that faith opens access to divine power, whether the need is desperate and public or hidden and prolonged. Jesus reveals Himself as Lord over sickness, impurity, and even death.
Opening Life Connection
In daily life, some suffer visibly while others carry silent pain for years. Parents grieve for children, families wait helplessly, and many endure struggles no one sees. This Gospel assures us that Jesus responds both to the cries spoken aloud and to faith whispered within the heart.
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
“An official came forward, knelt down before him”
Authority bows before divine authority. Genuine faith humbles itself before Jesus.
“My daughter has just died… she will live”
The official believes Jesus’ power extends even beyond death.
“A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years”
Her long suffering reflects perseverance amid exclusion and pain.
“Touched the tassel on his cloak”
A quiet act of faith, trusting even indirect contact with Jesus’ holiness.
“Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you”
Jesus restores not only health but dignity and belonging.
“The girl is not dead but sleeping”
Jesus reveals death as temporary before God’s power.
“He took her by the hand”
Personal, compassionate contact brings life where there was death.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
A woman with hemorrhage was ritually unclean and excluded from worship and social life. Touching Jesus’ garment was a bold act of faith. Funeral customs included professional mourners and flute players. Jesus’ dismissal of them signals divine authority over death itself.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
The Church teaches that faith cooperates with grace. Jesus’ touch anticipates the sacraments, where Christ continues to heal and restore through visible signs. These miracles foreshadow the Resurrection and affirm Christ’s lordship over life and death.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, though physically weak, trusted completely in Jesus’ mercy. Her “little way” shows that quiet faith, like the woman’s touch, can draw immense grace.
Application to Christian Life Today
Believers are invited to approach Jesus with confidence, whether facing prolonged struggles or sudden crises. Faith may be public or silent, but it must be sincere and trusting.
Eucharistic Connection
In the Eucharist, the faithful touch Christ sacramentally. Like the woman who reached for His cloak, we approach the altar trusting that His presence brings healing and life.
Messages / Call to Conversion
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Faith draws the saving power of Christ.
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Jesus sees both hidden pain and public sorrow.
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No situation is beyond His authority.
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Trust requires humility and perseverance.
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Approach Christ confidently in every need.
Outline for Preachers (Printable – Bullet Form)
• Background within the Gospel: faith and renewal
• Life connection: visible grief and hidden suffering
• Key phrases explained: touch, courage, life restored
• Jewish context: impurity and mourning customs
• Catholic teaching: faith and sacramental healing
• Saintly illustration: quiet trust in Christ
• Application to life today: confidence in Jesus
• Eucharistic connection: touching Christ today
• Key messages and call to conversion
