Catechism: Funhouse MirrorsSample

Our identity is connected to action. What we believe about ourselves affects what we do.

When we think about our identity and who we are, it is easy to define ourselves by what we do and what we are good at.

Sometimes, the label we wear isn’t necessarily one we would have chosen. Some people are defined by imperfections, weaknesses, or things that have happened to them in the past.

That’s what happened to one woman in Mark, chapter 5. For 12 years, she struggled with an illness. But her pain wasn’t just physical. She was also isolated from her community because she was labeled “unclean.” Her identity was her sickness—until she met Jesus.

Her faith led her to reach out and touch Jesus, where she found her healing. Jesus saw beyond her label and called her to something higher and better, to a new life and identity as his child, and he’s inviting you into that, too.

Just like the woman with the issue of blood reached out to Jesus in her time of need, Jesus is calling you to reach out to him regardless of where you are. And when you reach out, his response will be to call you son or daughter.

Read: Mark 5:25-34; Romans 10:9

Reflect: How can our labels (the ones we choose and the ones we’re given) affect us? How does being called a child of God change the way we see ourselves?

Reach Out: Have you ever felt isolated, shut out from your community, or struggled with something all by yourself? What can you do today to reach out and take hold of your new life and identity in Jesus?