[Article] Jubilee Year : Hope overcomes the old self

“If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well” (Matt. 9:21), The words of the woman with a hemorrhage convey a message that resonates with the Jubilee Year. In a spirit of hope, she uttered words that overcame her despair and pessimism and saw her delivered from the bondage of sickness.

Our goal is to live the spirit of the 2025 Jubilee Year, which is hope, as we reflect on the story of the woman with a hemorrhage (Mt 9:18–26; Mk 5:21–43; Lk. 8:40-48). The story of the woman with a hemorrhage in Matthew’s Gospel is presented in a more concise manner. Unlike Mark’s account, Matthew omits the detail that the woman’s power was transferred through physical contact (Mk 5:29-33). Instead, Matthew emphasizes that Jesus’ power
is activated by his word, and the woman is healed through her faith in him, not just by touching
his garment.

The woman’s experience in Matthew’s Gospel highlights the power of faith and hope. She touched the tassel on Jesus’ cloak, a deliberate act of faith, and was healed (Matt 9:21). This woman’s experience serves as a powerful reminder that we, too, can overcome our struggles with our “old self” – the part of us that speaks words of discouragement and hopelessness. By reaching out to Jesus, just like the woman, we can conquer our “old self” and experience transformation.

Her story teaches us that faith in Jesus can overcome even the deepest wounds, and Jesus’response
to her action shows us that he welcomes and responds to faith. Pope St. John Paul II noted that our union with Christ is a mystery that gives birth to the “new man”, created in Christ for a life of grace and truth (Redemptor Hominis, 1979, no. 18).

Through this union, we are transformed inwardly and given the power to become children of God
(Jn 1:12), living a new life that lasts eternally. In St. Paul’s theology, the “old self” represents our life before Christ, dominated by sin and weakness (Rom 6:6). Through faith in Christ, we have been crucified with him, and our old self has been destroyed, freeing us from sin’s grip. This old self is characterized by human weakness
and sinful nature, leading to discouragement and despair, like Adam and Eve’s experience (Gen
3:8).

But we are called to a new way of life, one that reflects Christ’s character and nature. We have stripped off the old self, and now we are to clothe ourselves with the new self, living in a way that is pleasing to God and beneficial to others (Eph 4:22, Col 3:9). To experience this freedom, we must turn to Christ and draw inspiration from him, just like the woman with a hemorrhage (Matt 9:21). She rejected discouragement, focused on Jesus, and reached out with hope and faith, and was healed.

Let us shed our “old self” and embrace our new life in Christ, experiencing transformation in every area of our lives. As we do, our values will shape our attitude and actions. We will be mindful of what we consume, ensuring it inspires and does not distract us from our purpose. With hope and faith, we will stay focused on our vision, overcoming obstacles and achieving our dreams.

We will rise above negative mindsets and discouragement, just like the woman with a hemorrhage, and reflect Christ’s character to the world. By fixing our eyes on Jesus, we will experience the freedom and transformation that comes from living out our new identity in him.

By: Rev. Fr. Isaac Kyei