In examining the healing of the woman who had been bent over for 18 years, the Very Rev. Dr Bogdan Bucur asks us to consider the symbolism behind her unique ailment. For almost two decades, she was only able to see the ground beneath her; she was unable to lift her gaze and look toward heaven, suggesting that she was also spiritually unable to look toward God and offer praise. The first thing she did upon receiving the Lord’s healing was give thanks and praise to the Lord. Conversely, the first thing the surrounding Pharisees did upon witnessing the miracle was dispute the timing of the healing, as it had happened on the Sabbath. Fr Bogdan urges us to avoid the “religious” tendency to regard the letter of the law over mercy toward our fellow brothers and sisters.