Mark 5:21-43: Seek Christ – Part I
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Thursday, October 24, 2024
Jairus’ Daughter and the Woman with a Hemorrhage
What I like most about the Gospel of Mark is its intricate simplicity that causes us to pause, look and contemplate – if we only take the time. In today’s reading we have the intertwined stories of an important official of the synagogue, Jarius, and an un-named, apparently insignificant woman. The juxtaposition and the interweaving of these people and their stories are masterful: the expiring daughter of a religious official, and the dying nameless woman. Both are daughters of Jesus.
There are so many details to observe and ponder.
- Jesus’ touch cures – even when he does not initiate the healing.
- Jesus asks who has touched him – when surely he knows – and affords the nameless woman the opportunity to interact with him – he then affirms her faith and proclaims it to those who surround them.
- Jesus feels his healing power go out – each time he heals it costs him something.
- Jesus enters the home of the synagogue official – knowing that the corruption in the religious structure will bring him to his human end.
- Jesus suffers the ridicule of the mourners, and then puts them out – but he takes the child’s parents and his apostles with him when he cures.
- Jesus tells those who witness the raising of Jarius’ daughter from death that they must not tell anyone of this miracle – knowing that he will be ignored.
- Jesus asks that the child be fed – and in so doing he returns everyone to a new normalcy.
Everywhere Jesus goes, and for everyone he touches, he comforts, heals, saves – and challenges. He teaches by both word and action. He affirms the faith people have in him and in his kingdom. He brings hope to the most hopeless of situations. He acts in love always, even toward those who do him harm. He acts in peace and unity. He acts in us.
Tomorrow, Jesus as brother, father, lover and redeemer.
Adapted from a reflection written on November 2, 2007.
The Noontimes 