From the responsorial psalm: “Hear, O LORD, and have pity on me; O LORD, be my helper. You changed my mourning into dancing; O LORD, my God, forever will I give you thanks. I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 5:21-43)
When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along 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. At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.
In today’s Gospel, Mark relates the account of a double miracle Jesus performs. As Jesus is on the way to the synagogue official Jairus’s house, a woman who has been suffering from a bleeding disorder approaches him. Merely touching Jesus’ cloak, she is healed immediately, and Jesus tells her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.” As Jesus speaks to the woman, messengers arrive to inform them that Jairus’s daughter has died. At this, Jesus says to Jairus, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” With the father and mother before their daughter, Jesus takes her by the hand and with a word raises her from the dead. Having read this account more than once, do we feel utter astonishment as witnesses of these miracles?
God, help me reflect carefully on today’s Gospel so that it will be a means throughout the day of praising you and giving you glory. Jesus heals a woman’s chronic disorder; he raises a girl from the dead. What more can Jesus do to show compassion and to reveal to witnesses that he is the Son of God and is victorious over sin and death? And what do you require, Lord, except faith in the works you have the power and authority to accomplish? Let me ponder in reverence and awe what the Gospel acclamation says about the mission of your Son: “Our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.” Give me the grace to trust in your mercy completely and know that you are with me, there to heal along the way and at my journey’s destination with the hope of eternal life. Jesus, I trust in you!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.