Girls were stripped for a period check after blood stains were found in the school washroom. The principal summoned girls from Classes 5 to 10 to the school hall for a strip-check. (India Today, 10 July 2025) This provides evidence of how women were ill-treated in ancient times. They were excluded from family, community, and religious events when they were experiencing menstruation. The gospel records how a woman who had a disease that she had been continuously bleeding for twelve years, and all her efforts to be healed through the help of physicians were in vain. She resolved to touch the edge of the garment of the Lord Jesus to be healed, and she was miraculously healed. However, the Lord called out to her and spoke to her and gave her dignity. (Matthew 9:20-22)
Daughter: An honourable title was bestowed upon her by the Blessed Saviour. Yes, she had approached in faith, received Him and His power, and deserved to be called a daughter. (John 1:12) Her desire to be anonymous because of shame was transformed; she became a known child of God.
Healed: The Lord wanted her to know that she was healed. It was an official declaration; she need not verify her healing.
Others understand: Some people were puzzled about her sadness, a sense of aloofness, and she did not participate in public events. Now, they will know the cause of her behaviour and that she has been healed.
Faith: The Lord Jesus Christ affirmed her faith, though it could be considered substandard or superstitious faith. Not the touch, but her faith healed her.
Stolen blessing: The Lord spoke to her, as she would not have a guilty conscience that she had stolen healing without His knowledge. Satan could have accused her and intimidated her.
Inspiration for others: The ruler of the synagogue who was escorting the Lord to his home, for healing his daughter who was twelve years old, may have known the power of God and was inspired to exercise faith.
Do I celebrate as the Lord has changed shame and given me the dignity of being His child?