Courage, Daughter ...

Picture of woman touching the cloak of Jesus
depicted in catacombs of Rome

Today's Gospel reading (Matthew 9: 18-26) includes the story of the woman with the hemorrhage. While it is a familiar story, when I prayed with it this morning I was struck by the words Jesus speaks to her, this woman who snuck up behind him and dared to touch his cloak: "Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you."

Courage.
Courage to reach out.
Courage to risk.
Courage to be vulnerable.
Courage to stand out in a crowd.
Courage to believe in the power of God.
Courage to act as a beloved daughter of God.
Courage as a woman.
Courage.