A Tentative Touch

Source: youtube
“Should I?” she wondered
jostled by a crushing crowd
wrapped around a miracle worker.

Twelve years of bleeding misery
being deemed ritually unclean,
an outcast shrouded in perpetual shame
propelled her forward
to just touch the hem
of his garment.

Taking hesitant steps
her desperate need
squeezed her through
with outstretched hand
risking society’s frown
and constant disdain.

Surprise surfaced in both
the daring woman
and the great physician
for power flowed generously
to the one instantly healed
and made whole again.

The question, “Who touched me?”
hung in the puzzled stares
of people a breath away.

Heart touched heart
in a tender look
that washed away years
of her aching isolation.

A compassionate smile
reached the once timid one
now beaming in graced glory
as the words floated around her
“Daughter, your faith has healed you,
  Go in peace.”

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(based on Mark 5:25-34)

Viola Athaide, a student of Theology, is actively involved in parish life, leading Bible courses, the Prayer Group, and the Ministry with Maturing Adults.

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17 Comments
  • Peter Bisson
    Posted at 09:11h, 16 March Reply

    Thank you Viola!

  • Carol Von Zuben
    Posted at 09:23h, 16 March Reply

    —- absolutely beautiful ! Thank you so much Viola.

  • Doreen Pinto
    Posted at 09:38h, 16 March Reply

    A beautiful article to ponder over, especially the words “ Daughter your faith has healed you, Go in peace”. Thank you.

  • Lynn Smith
    Posted at 09:39h, 16 March Reply

    Heart Felt and Beautiful, as always.

  • Sylvia Lee
    Posted at 09:56h, 16 March Reply

    Thank you for your poem, Viola.
    You are God’s faithful daughter and God loves you.

  • Christine Domingo
    Posted at 12:28h, 16 March Reply

    Beautiful… thank you Viola! A simple and deep faith works miracles … all in His time.

  • Gerwin Komma SJ
    Posted at 13:36h, 16 March Reply

    What an inspiring comment and interpretation of this unfolding encounter. Shouldn’t we Christians dare to hope like her together asking for peace in the Ukraine and our world?!

  • Friederika Priemer
    Posted at 13:43h, 16 March Reply

    Thank you for your great poem!

  • Maria Lobo
    Posted at 17:49h, 16 March Reply

    Bravo, Viola! Once again, your gift for poetic imagery draws us into the scene instantly, transcending space and time….and makes the Scriptures come alive & speak to us, even now!

  • Margaret Banks
    Posted at 18:37h, 16 March Reply

    Dear Viola, a dramatic bible story filled with pain, hardship, and fear, rendered with ineffable gentleness by your poem; thus the soft truth and beauty Jesus offers each of us sinks into our heart sans resistance.
    Thank you Viola.
    Margaret Banks

  • mario coutinho
    Posted at 18:51h, 17 March Reply

    There you go again, Viola! A miracle in poetic form as only you can produce it. May your inspiration continue to give us the benefits of your sharing with us.
    Thank you
    Mario and Olivia

  • Lillian M Phelan
    Posted at 21:02h, 17 March Reply

    Thank you Viola. I was transported to another time and space with your poem. Absolutely profound and beautiful. I admire your deep faith put into words for all of us to reflect on.

  • Heather deSouza
    Posted at 22:00h, 17 March Reply

    Beautiful and packed with meaning, from your heart to ours.

  • Karen Arthurs
    Posted at 14:13h, 18 March Reply

    “Graced glory” as the touch was reciprocated. Jesus pondered, to know who had also “touched” him.

  • Andes Kwok
    Posted at 14:03h, 19 March Reply

    A beautiful contemplative prayer that reminds me that in times of pain and illness I hope to have this woman’s faith in Jesus.

  • Philip Chircop
    Posted at 15:45h, 21 March Reply

    Thanks yet again Viola for another invitation to reflect on a well-known story.

    I pray that we have the courage and raw boldness to keep stretching towards and forward, always with a fresh longing to touch the fringe with the urgent longing to be made whole again and again!

  • Sylvia M Chin
    Posted at 14:51h, 18 April Reply

    This miracle has always been a most touching one for me. Thank you, Viola.

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