Answers may trail their edges within our reach. Knowing that, scientists never expect
an answer to a problem to come to them altogether complete. If they can get hold of an
edge of an answer, scientists are satisfied. From the edge they work in faith and hope
toward the full answer.
A women came to Jesus one day. She had been ill for a long time. She came behind Jesus and touched the hem of his garment. She said to herself that if she could only touch something he wore, her problem would be near the answer. Jesus turned about. He saw her. He granted her wish. (Matthew 9:20-22) The story is suggestive of the answers we seek.
The women did not expect to touch the face of Jesus, nor his hands. She simply believed that if she could only touch something that had touched him, that would be enough. She was willing to reach out for the edge of the answer. She expected much, very much, from a very little. All she could see was just the least of Jesus, just his back.
To each of us life brings only a little bit of what we've asked for - just the edge of our wishes ... possibly only the back of God. Now, if we cannot have the full wish, are we willing to take a little and make much of it? If we cannot have the full best, are we willing to take hold of just the hem? Let's grasp the edge of the answer. The full answer is not far from the edge. The edge is not to be despised!
Teacher of teachers, we would learn today to seek and find the edge of the answer to our deepest need. Lead us from a little of thy truth to its fullness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.