Another of my favorite scripture narratives , that of Jesus healing Jairus’ daughter and the older woman with an issue of blood, whose healing is sandwiched in between the story of Jairus’ daughter.  Almost head-spinning! And there is Jesus, patient despite being pressed upon by crowds, interrupted during his progress toward jairus’ daughter, patient and loving throughout.

As I reflected further on the story, iIrealized not only is Jesus’ responsiveness central , but the recipients of his grace demonstrate both faith and hope. I cannot separate faith from hope; they seems to me to be two children walking gently hand in hand. The faith  and hope of the old woman “if I but touch his cloak I will be healed” and Jairus seeking out Jesus, asking him to come and heal his daughter who “is at the point of death.”  Both faith and hope.  Despite skeptics in both narratives, undeterred, Jesus calmly proceeds , teaching and healing.

Interestingly, Jesus dismisses the crowd before entering the room of the sick child, taking only his close followers and the girl’s parents. Those who believe and those who hope.

Do I dismiss the “crowd of distracting thoughts” before I ask forJjesus’ presence?
Do I surround myself with those who are believers, those who hope when I am asking for God’s special grace? (and those who doubt can be those who hope)
Do I, in times of doubt, cast aside negative thoughts and make room for those two children of faith and hope?
Knowing doubt can walk with faith and doubt can walk with hope, do I proceed and respond to the needs of the others around me despite any doubts I may have .