Thirteenth Sunday of Ordinary time June 20,2024
Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24; 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15; Mark
5:21-43
A business executive became depressed. Things were not going
well at work, and he was bringing his problems home with him every night. Every
evening, he would eat his dinner in silence, shutting out his wife and
five-year-old daughter. Then he would go into the den and read the paper using
the newspaper to wall his family out of his life. After several nights of this,
one evening his daughter took her little hand and pushed the newspaper down.
She then jumped into her father's lap, wrapped her arms around his neck and
hugged him strongly. The father said abruptly, "Honey, you are hugging me
to death!" "No, Daddy," the little girl said, "I'm hugging
you to life!"
Faith is our personal response to a God who continues to
reveal himself to us and invites us to recognize his holiness and beauty. Bible
shows us the ways in which God reveals himself to human persons and invites him
to respond in faith. Every situation in the world presents a very great
contrast between human powerlessness in the face of sickness and death on the
one hand, and the striking force of faith on the other. We are in a constant
relationship with a God of wonder who transforms us, heals us and removes our
pains and transforms them into joy. Faith works miracles and there are the
thousands of small miracles that no-one notices them except those concerned.
Today’s Gospel reading from Mark presents us with two
powerful stories of healing and faith. These narratives invite us to reflect on
the profound trust and belief in Jesus’ power to restore life and bring
wholeness.
First, let us consider the woman with the haemorrhage. For
twelve long years, she suffered from her condition, seeking help from many
physicians but only growing worse. Despite her suffering and social isolation,
she exhibited extraordinary faith. She believed that merely touching Jesus’
garment would heal her. Her faith was not misplaced. Jesus, recognizing her
faith, tells her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and
be healed of your disease."
What a powerful reminder that faith, even as small as a
mustard seed, can move mountains! This woman’s faith in Jesus was the key to
her healing. It challenges us to examine our own faith. Do we trust Jesus
enough to believe that He can heal our deepest wounds and restore our
brokenness?
Next, we have the story of Jairus and his daughter. Jairus
was a synagogue leader, a man of significant standing. Despite his position, he
fell at Jesus’ feet, begging Him to save his dying daughter. When news came
that his daughter had died, Jesus encouraged him, saying, "Do not fear,
only believe." Jesus’ words to Jairus resonate deeply – faith over fear.
When Jesus arrives at Jairus' house, He takes the girl by the hand and says,
"Little girl, I say to you, arise!" Immediately, she gets up and
begins to walk around.
These two stories teach us that Jesus brings life where
there is death, hope where there is despair, and healing where there is
brokenness. They call us to have unwavering faith in Jesus, who has power over
every circumstance, even death itself.
In our first reading from the Book of Wisdom, we are
reminded that God did not create death. God is the author of life. He created
us for immortality, to be in communion with Him. The envy of the devil brought
death into the world, but God’s plan for life and wholeness prevails through
Jesus Christ.
As we reflect on these readings, let us take to heart the
lessons of faith and generosity. Let us approach Jesus with the same trust and
belief as the woman and Jairus. And let us remember that we are called to be
instruments of His love and healing in the world, sharing our blessings with
those in need.
May our faith in Jesus grow stronger each day, and may we be
ever willing to extend His love and compassion to those around us.
Happy Sunday
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