A Tassel of Protection

Some years ago, a woman living with mental anguish carried all her clothing to every weekend Mass. A friend helped her load a metal pushcart piled with secondhand clothing. He carried a heavy box filled with her shabby, grayed wardrobe. She feared a thief would come to steal her belongings. All her clothing comforted her fear in the first pew.

In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus does not hoard or protect his healing grace. Even the tassel on his cloak becomes an extension of healing when touched with love by people who most need him. Jesus’ healing remains generative, tender, and without measure. He does not hoard such power, and we are called to extend our hearts to his healing presence, his desire for our wholeness and well-being.

A thief never stole the woman’s possessions. Somewhere in the pile of her clothing, perhaps a tassel from Jesus’ wardrobe protected her. Even in our fear, we believe that Jesus’ clothing becomes our baptismal gown. The tassel on his cloak is a reminder of the white garment wadded up in a corner of his empty tomb. When we live fearlessly in faith, we grow closer to the miracle that Jesus’ love is among us no matter our bodily ailment.

In the center of every earthly fear, we wrap ourselves in the mystery that Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection comforts our souls and heals our hearts. No matter our village or town or countryside, Jesus’ love is offered within our reach.

Fr. Ronald Patrick Raab

Fr. Ronald Patrick Raab, CSC serves as religious superior at Holy Cross House, a medical and retirement facility at Notre Dame, Indiana. He is a retreat director, award-winning author, and visual artist. Learn more at ronaldraab.com.

Published by Give Us This Day, Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN. February 2025