TASSEL ON THE GARMENT
God had instructed through Moses that the Israelites had “to make tassels for the corners of their garments, fastening a violet cord to each corner” (Num 15:38). The purpose of the tassels was: “the sight of the cord will remind you of all the commandments of the LORD” (Num 15:39). Jesus also wore such an outer garment with four tassels that the Law prescribed.
According to Malachi 3:20 (4:2), “for you who fear my name, the sun of justice will arise with healing in its wings.” When Jesus came as this sun of justice or Messiah, people touched his outer garment, considering it as his wings for the prophesied healing. That prompted a woman who had a hemorrhage for twelve years to touch the tassel of Jesus’ garment while he was on his way to Jairus’s house to deal with the sickness of his daughter. With faith, the woman said, ‘If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured” (Mk 5:28).
There were other instances where the sick people touched the tassel of Jesus’ garment for healing from him. When Jesus and his disciples reached Gennesaret, people brought the sick to him and “begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed” (Mt 14:36; Mk 6: 53-56).
REFLECTION
Jesus wore the traditional garment with tassels according to the Law. People who touched his tassels expressed their faith in Jesus and the Messiah and their willingness to keep up the commandments of the Lord. The rosary, scapular, crucifix, or other religious articles we wore are expressions of our faith in Jesus and a reminder of our Christian commitment.