Jairus, who was a synagogue official, came to Jesus, fell at his feet and interceded, pleading earnestly with him to lay his hands on his dying daughter. What is significant here is the way he pleaded with Jesus. Given his position of power, he cast himself upon Jesus, fell to his knees, believing that he was a great prophet, a man of God, but not understanding that he was the Messiah and actually God himself. He showed great reverence and respect to Jesus, paying him homage in a humble, even in a humiliating way, despite the fact that he did not worship him as a God. His pleading, accompanied by humble faith, gained the positive response of Jesus. He gave back the life of Jairus’ daughter, who was already dead. Jesus answered Jairus’ Intercessory Prayer
On the other hand, the woman, who suffered hemorrhages for 12 long years, was not only considered impure by the Jews, but everything she touched would become impure as well. Consequently, in order to avoid being recognized by the crowd, the woman approached Jesus from behind and only touched his robe with great care and respect. Her faith was enriched by her expression of humility: she was aware of being unworthy to touch our Lord. This makes her touch different from all the others who pressed around Jesus. She confidently said, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be cured." As the Gospel says, "her flow of blood dried up immediately." "The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.’" Her Prayer for Oneself was granted.
What is common in the way Jairus and the woman prayed was their humility. Both of them, recognizing their unworthiness, fell to their knees before Jesus. Their humility makes their prayers powerful. According to St. Thomas Aquinas, humility eliminates pride and renders a man a fit recipient of grace. He said this quoting St. James: "God resists the proud, and gives his grace to the humble" (James 4:6).
Then, we can only receive the graces we are praying for, whether for ourselves or for others, if we pray with humility.
Fr. Joel R. Lasutaz, SSS
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