Mark 5:32 — Community Reflections

MARK 5:32 — KING JAMES VERSION 0

“And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.”

But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it — the continued looking communicates the deliberateness of Jesus' search: this is not a rhetorical question but a genuine summons. The person who touched him is being invited into a direct encounter with Jesus rather than remaining anonymous in the crowd. The healing was real and complete without the direct encounter; the direct encounter is not necessary for the healing but necessary for the woman's complete restoration. She needs more than physical healing; she needs to hear Jesus' word of peace and the declaration of her faith, which will reintegrate her into the community from which the bleeding has excluded her.

Church Fathers on Mark 5:32

After the miracle of the demoniac, the Lord works another miracle, namely, in raising up the daughter of the ruler of the synagogue; the Evangelist, before narrating this miracle, says, 'And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto Him.'
Theophylact · 11th century

But we must understand, that what is added of the daughter of the ruler of the synagogue, took place when Jesus had again crossed the sea in a ship, though how long after does not appear; for if there were not an interval, there could be no time for the taking place of that which Matthew relates, concerning the feast at his own house; after which event, nothing follows immediately, except this concerning the daughter of the chief of the synagogue. For he has so put it…
Augustine · 4th century · de Con. Evan., 2, 28

Observe that the object of His question was that the woman should confess the truth of her long want of faith, of her sudden belief and healing, and so herself be confirmed in faith, and afford an example to others.
Bede · 8th century · in Marc., 2, 22

Read all 12 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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