After calling Matthew, a tax collector, to follow him, Jesus is criticised for his association with ‘tax collectors and sinners’. He responds that he was sent to those who are sick. The gathering is interrupted by a synagogue leader whose daughter is sick. On his way to the girl, a woman who has been ill for 12 years touches Jesus’ cloak. Jesus restores the girl to life and heals the woman. News of this spread quickly!

Today’s passages show how Jesus offers love and acceptance for those who seem beyond hope. How might we live as a witness to others so that no one sees themselves as beyond hope?