The Kânâph of Jesus

In our Gospel today from Mark [Mk 5:21-43], we hear about the faith of two individuals and how their faith brings about healing and life. In hearing the Gospel, I'm reminded of a homily I wrote back in November of 2022. In part of my homily I explain the word kânâph and how it could be used to refer to the four corners of the Jewish prayer shawl, and how this was most likely what the woman afflicted with hemorrhaging in our Gospel reading today reached out in faith and touched. It was widely believed that the four corners of the prayer shawl of the Messiah had healing virtues. And so, it very likely was this part of Jesus’ clothing that the woman, reached out and touched and immediately healing power left Jesus and healed her.

Where might we today be able to reach out and touch the kânâph of Jesus to receive His healing grace? In the Sacrament of Reconciliation where he forgives us of our sins, renews us, and reconciles us to himself. In the Eucharist, where he comes to us again and again as the Lord of Hosts and the Sun of Justice with its healing rays as he nourishes us with his body and his blood. This is our joy and our hope in our time of struggle as we await his coming in perseverance.

For the complete homily from November 2022, click on the following link: [Homily November 2022]