Orewa Estuary August Morning
The 1989 Depeche Mode electronica hit Personal Jesus was no doubt intended as a cynical sneer at those of simple faith, something significantly amplified by Marilyn Manson's glam-horror cover version of the song. The song serves as a rejection of institutional religion and perceived hypocrisy. However, it was also recorded and performed by an aging Johnny Cash, a person of Christian faith, who in a way redeemed it from cynicism, allowing us to receive the lyrics at face value;
'Your own personal Jesus Someone to hear your prayers Someone who cares Your own personal Jesus Someone to hear your prayers Someone who's there'
The refrain of the song repeats the words; 'Reach out and touch faith' which is the focus of my thought today. I am reminded of the woman in the crowd (Mark 5: 25-34) who reached out, touching the hem of Jesus' garment through the crush of people. Her faith in, and desire for the healing power of Jesus overcame any self-conscious reluctance to reach out.
Similarly, this week we will speak about the Canaanite woman we find in Matthew 15, seeking help for her daughter afflicted by a mental anguish perceived as demon-possession. The woman persisted in spite of gate-keeping by Jesus' disciples, and the awkwardness of interacting across gender and cultural barriers. She reached out determinedly in faith to Jesus and his healing power. Her faith and persistence were rewarded.
Both these women are a reminder for us to persist strongly in faith, to not lose hope that Jesus can intervene in our situation. We keep praying and believing, reaching out to touch faith.
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