In the  Gospel today we see two different episodes in which people turn their suffering into a moment of great faith when they experience the mercy and healing of Jesus. In the case of Jairus, his daughter became ill, and he looked to Jesus for help. He puts his faith in Jesus. Faith and trust lead to his daughter’s healing. In the second situation a poor woman was suffering from a disease for many years. She believed that Jesus might be able to help her. She touched Jesus’ garment and was healed. Jesus tells her that her faith had healed her.

As much as we would like to avoid some of life’s unpleasant circumstances, we must remember that all these things are part of reality. Jesus promises that he will be with us to bring strength, healing, and peace.