Recognition and Religion A Historical and Systematic Study

lasting bond with the servant. A similar reciprocal commendation
occurs in Thomas’s exposition of the story of the woman suffering
from haemorrhages (Matt. 9:20–2). Thomas says:

The evangelist does three things: Firstly, her sickness is described;

secondly, the commendation of the woman (commendatio mulieris)is

described, where it is said,‘she said within herself’, and thirdly, the

goodness of Christ’s healing is described...‘She came behind him, and

touched the hem of his garment.’Here is related the commendation of

the woman herself (commendatio ipsius mulieris) from her own humil-

ity, and from her faith, which is very important for entreating.^88

In this passage, we again see the mutuality of the commendation,
since the woman is praised. At the same time, her own humility and
inner voice are also decisive. Thomas goes on to describe the act of
Jesus:

Here, Christ’s goodness (benignitas) is set forth. Firstly, it is shown by

an action, because He turned towards her...He turned with the turn-

ing of mercy (misericordia) and he saw her with the eye of pity (pietas):

‘Turn to me, and I will turn to you’(Zach. 1:3).^89

Thomas also offers the allegorical explanation that the woman rep-
resents the unclean heathen nations, which must approach the purity
of Christ from behind and by faith. Unlike the Jews, the heathens can
only touch the garment of Christ, that is, his human nature. At the
same time, such faith is an example to everyone.^90
When we read this passage in terms of feudal allegiance, we can see
thecommendatioagain as an exchange of recognition. The heathen
recognizes the power of Jesus, showing proper humility. This leads to
an exchange of loyalties described in terms of commendation: Jesus
praises the woman, and Thomas interprets this event in terms of
mercy and pity. The reward of the faithful woman is her healing. In
this manner, both sides turn to one another and create an asymmet-
rical bond between a lord and a servant.
Another story of the lord and servants (Matt. 18:23–35) serves for
Thomas as an example of the different allegiances within a relation-
ship of commendation. In thefirst part of this story, the servant who
owes ten thousand talents to his lord asks for mercy, promising to pay

(^88) In Matt. 9:18–26. Kimball, 350. (^89) In Matt. 9:18–26. Kimball, 351.
(^90) In Matt. 9:18–26. Kimball, 350–1.
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