Miracles happen

Gospel MT 9:18-26

While Jesus was speaking, an official came forward,
knelt down before him, and said,
“My daughter has just died.
But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.”
Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples.
A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him
and touched the tassel on his cloak.
She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.”
Jesus turned around and saw her, and said,
“Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.”
And from that hour the woman was cured.

When Jesus arrived at the official’s house
and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion,
he said, “Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.”
And they ridiculed him.
When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand,
and the little girl arose.
And news of this spread throughout all that land.

Some of my chronic pain patients have suffered for many years from compounding, complicated problems.  Sometimes I feel like I have little to offer them.  But that's not entirely true.  I can pray for them.  I can pray for healing.  Just as God has worked miracles in my life, I can ask God to work a miracle in theirs.  And I often do.  Quietly.  They may not even know that I am prayer for them.  Dear Lord, sometimes I feel so overwhelmed and inadequate when a patient comes to me.  Help me to help them.  Use me as an instrument of your power and love.