In one of my former parishes, we had a hall space that was used frequently by low-income women for various group meetings that enhanced either their leadership or mental health or creativity or self-esteem. Lots of good activities were always happening in that hall.
After awhile, I thought that the room should have some religious art that reflected the action in the space. And so, I asked an artist to portray the woman seeking a cure from a chronic bleeding disorder in today’s Gospel, and a portrait of that scene hangs there today.
You see, the two healing stories today are as much about human initiative and empowerment on the part of the woman and the synagogue official as they are about Jesus’ miraculous healing power. Both folks stepped outside their social comfort zones to seek healing from someone, Jesus, who was a traveling preacher. Not an easy thing to do.
This doesn’t mean simplistically that “God helps those who helps themselves,” but it does point out a bit of a two-way street in our relationship with God. So does some of our religious humor. For example, there’s the joke about a guy who wants to win the lottery and begs for God’s help. The drawing day comes around and the man doesn’t win. “I thought you were going to help me,” the man complains to God. “Why didn’t you buy a ticket?” God replies.
Then there’s the joke about the God-fearing man who is caught in his home before a massive flooding storm. A canoe comes by his street and offers to take the man away. The man says, no thanks, I have faith in God. The waters rise and a boat comes by, again inviting the man to be rescued. Again, the man says no, I’m counting on God. Finally, he’s forced to the roof by the waters, but a helicopter swoops by and offers to drop a ladder to pick him up. Again, the man says no. He dies by drowning. When he gets to heaven, he asks God why didn’t he help him in the flood. God says, I sent two boats and a helicopter.
How much is our relationship with God a two-way street? What role does initiative have in the practice of our faith? Are we primarily active or passive? How bold are we in reaching out – either in prayer or to others? Our initiative can help us to do our part in relieving and transforming some of the world’s suffering.