Two miracles: a healing and a raising from the dead
Reflections on the readings for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (June 27, 2021): WIS 1:13-15;2:23-24; PS 30:2,4,5-6,11,12,13;2 COR 8:7,9,13-15; MK 5:21-43
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
“He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. [At that] they were utterly astounded.” (Mark 5:41-42)
Today we hear a rich and beautiful Gospel reading and the miracles that our Lord has in store for two of His precious daughters. One is a woman who has endured uncontrollable bleeding for 12 years; the other, a 12-year-old girl who is lying on her deathbed. On this day, they both meet Jesus and he saves their lives and their souls. Christ has entered a town with His disciples and is met by a large crowd who want to see and hear Him. A man named Jairus pushes forward. He is a person of standing in the community, but he falls humbly at Jesus’ feet. The father begs Him to come to his home and heal his dying child. They start on their way when Christ is stopped by the woman who touched His robe seeking a cure from her grave and continuing pain. Before they can go on their way, people arrive to say that the daughter of Jairus has died and that there is no point Jesus going to her. Christ knows better and they continue on their way. Once more in His life Jesus is mocked by people who lack faith in Him upon telling them that the girl is “‘not dead but asleep.’… He took the child’s father and mother and those who were with Him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, ‘Talitha koum,’ which means, ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise!’ The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around” (Mark 5:39-42).
Jesus restored the child to life and in His gentle concern for her, immediately told the family to give her something to eat. Christ loves us beyond our imagination, our wishes, or our human reason. Everything we need for our salvation will be given to us. It is up to us to accept it. If we are willing to reach out to our Lord in faith and hope, He will always respond with love – because His love as already there, just waiting for us to find it.
Suggested missionary action: We can ask our Lord to heal His wounded children, both those near and dear to us as well as His beloved people everywhere. We can also ask His guidance in showing us how to serve Him by easing the suffering of others.
