Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 98
Lectionary: 98
God did not make death,
nor does he rejoice in the destruction of the living.
For he fashioned all things that they might have being;
and the creatures of the world are wholesome,
and there is not a destructive drug among them
nor any domain of the netherworld on earth,
for justice is undying.
For God formed man to be imperishable;
the image of his own nature he made him.
But by the envy of the devil, death entered the world,
and they who belong to his company experience it.
nor does he rejoice in the destruction of the living.
For he fashioned all things that they might have being;
and the creatures of the world are wholesome,
and there is not a destructive drug among them
nor any domain of the netherworld on earth,
for justice is undying.
For God formed man to be imperishable;
the image of his own nature he made him.
But by the envy of the devil, death entered the world,
and they who belong to his company experience it.
Responsorial
PsalmPS 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11, 12,
13
R. (2a) I
will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
I will extol you, O LORD, for you drew me clear
and did not let my enemies rejoice over me.
O LORD, you brought me up from the netherworld;
you preserved me from among those going down into the pit.
I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
Sing praise to the LORD, you his faithful ones,
and give thanks to his holy name.
For his anger lasts but a moment;
a lifetime, his good will.
At nightfall, weeping enters in,
but with the dawn, rejoicing.
R. I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
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.
R. I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
I will extol you, O LORD, for you drew me clear
and did not let my enemies rejoice over me.
O LORD, you brought me up from the netherworld;
you preserved me from among those going down into the pit.
I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
Sing praise to the LORD, you his faithful ones,
and give thanks to his holy name.
For his anger lasts but a moment;
a lifetime, his good will.
At nightfall, weeping enters in,
but with the dawn, rejoicing.
R. I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
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.
R. I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
Reading 22 COR 8:7, 9, 13-15
Brothers and sisters:
As you excel in every respect, in faith, discourse,
knowledge, all earnestness, and in the love we have for you,
may you excel in this gracious act also.
For you know the gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that though he was rich, for your sake he became poor,
so that by his poverty you might become rich.
Not that others should have relief while you are burdened,
but that as a matter of equality
your abundance at the present time should supply their needs,
so that their abundance may also supply your needs,
that there may be equality.
As it is written:
Whoever had much did not have more,
and whoever had little did not have less.
As you excel in every respect, in faith, discourse,
knowledge, all earnestness, and in the love we have for you,
may you excel in this gracious act also.
For you know the gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that though he was rich, for your sake he became poor,
so that by his poverty you might become rich.
Not that others should have relief while you are burdened,
but that as a matter of equality
your abundance at the present time should supply their needs,
so that their abundance may also supply your needs,
that there may be equality.
As it is written:
Whoever had much did not have more,
and whoever had little did not have less.
AlleluiaCF. 2 TM 1:10
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
Our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed death
and brought life to light through the Gospel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed death
and brought life to light through the Gospel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
When Jesus had crossed again in the boat
to the other side,
a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea.
One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward.
Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying,
"My daughter is at the point of death.
Please, come lay your hands on her
that she may get well and live."
He went off with him,
and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him.
There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years.
She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors
and had spent all that she had.
Yet she was not helped but only grew worse.
She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd
and touched his cloak.
She said, "If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured."
Immediately her flow of blood dried up.
She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.
Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him,
turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who has touched my clothes?"
But his disciples said to Jesus,
"You see how the crowd is pressing upon you,
and yet you ask, 'Who touched me?'"
And he looked around to see who had done it.
The woman, realizing what had happened to her,
approached in fear and trembling.
She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth.
He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has saved you.
Go in peace and be cured of your affliction."
While he was still speaking,
people from the synagogue official's house arrived and said,
"Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?"
Disregarding the message that was reported,
Jesus said to the synagogue official,
"Do not be afraid; just have faith."
He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside
except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James.
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.
or
When Jesus had crossed again in the boat
to the other side,
a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea.
One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward.
Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying,
"My daughter is at the point of death.
Please, come lay your hands on her
that she may get well and live."
He went off with him,
and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him.
While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official's house arrived and said,
"Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?"
Disregarding the message that was reported,
Jesus said to the synagogue official,
"Do not be afraid; just have faith."
He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside
except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James.
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.
to the other side,
a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea.
One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward.
Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying,
"My daughter is at the point of death.
Please, come lay your hands on her
that she may get well and live."
He went off with him,
and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him.
There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years.
She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors
and had spent all that she had.
Yet she was not helped but only grew worse.
She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd
and touched his cloak.
She said, "If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured."
Immediately her flow of blood dried up.
She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.
Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him,
turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who has touched my clothes?"
But his disciples said to Jesus,
"You see how the crowd is pressing upon you,
and yet you ask, 'Who touched me?'"
And he looked around to see who had done it.
The woman, realizing what had happened to her,
approached in fear and trembling.
She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth.
He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has saved you.
Go in peace and be cured of your affliction."
While he was still speaking,
people from the synagogue official's house arrived and said,
"Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?"
Disregarding the message that was reported,
Jesus said to the synagogue official,
"Do not be afraid; just have faith."
He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside
except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James.
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.
or
When Jesus had crossed again in the boat
to the other side,
a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea.
One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward.
Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying,
"My daughter is at the point of death.
Please, come lay your hands on her
that she may get well and live."
He went off with him,
and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him.
While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official's house arrived and said,
"Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?"
Disregarding the message that was reported,
Jesus said to the synagogue official,
"Do not be afraid; just have faith."
He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside
except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James.
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.
Meditation: The woman who took heart in
Jesus
Do you approach the Lord
Jesus with expectant faith or with skeptical doubt? People in desperate or
helpless circumstances were not disappointed when they sought Jesus out. What
drew them to Jesus? Was it hope for a miracle or a word of comfort in their
affliction? What did the elderly woman who had suffered miserably for twelve
years expect Jesus to do for her? And what did a grieving father expect Jesus
to do for his beloved daughter who was at the point of death? Jesus gave hope
where there seemed to be no human cause for it because his hope was directed to
God. He spoke words of hope to the woman (Take
heart, daughter!) to ignite the spark of
faith in her (your faith has made you well!).
Ephrem the Syrian (306-373 AD), an early church
Scripture scholar and author of hymns and commentaries, reflected on the
miracle of the woman who was healed of her flow of blood:
"Glory to you, hidden Son of God,
because your healing power is proclaimed through the hidden suffering of the
afflicted woman. Through this woman whom they could see, the witnesses were
enabled to behold the divinity that cannot be seen. Through the Son's own
healing power his divinity became known. Through the afflicted women's being
healed her faith was made manifest. She caused him to be proclaimed, and indeed
was honored with him. For truth was being proclaimed together with its heralds.
If she was a witness to his divinity, he in turn was a witness to her faith...
He saw through to her hidden faith, and gave her a visible healing."
Jesus also gave
supernatural hope to a father who had just lost a beloved child. It took
considerable courage and risk for the ruler of a synagogue to openly go to
Jesus and to invite the scorn of his neighbors and kin. Even the hired mourners
laughed scornfully at Jesus. Their grief was devoid of any hope. Nonetheless,
Jesus took the girl by the hand and delivered her from the grasp of death.
Peter Chrysologus (400-450 AD), an early church father who was renowned for his
preaching at Ravena, comments on this miracle:
"This man was a ruler of the
synagogue, and versed in the law. He had surely read that while God created all
other things by his word, man had been created by the hand of God. He trusted
therefore in God that his daughter would be recreated, and restored to life by
that same hand which, he knew, had created her... He [Jesus] who laid hands on
her to form her from nothing, once more lays hands upon her to reform her from
what had perished."
In both instances we see
Jesus' personal concern for the needs of others and his readiness to heal and
restore life. In Jesus we see the infinite love of God extending to each and
every individual as he gives freely and wholly of himself to each person
he meets. Do you approach the Lord with confident expectation that he will hear
your request and act?
"Lord Jesus, you love each of us individually
with a unique and personal love. Touch my life with your saving power, heal and
restore me to fullness of life. Help me to give wholly of myself in loving
service to others."
Daily Quote from the early church fathers: The long-suffering of parents, by Peter
Chrysologus (400-450 AD)
"Let us, if it is pleasing to you, speak for a
moment of the pains and anxieties which parents take upon themselves and endure
in patience out of love and affection for their children. Here, surrounded by
her family and by the sympathy and affection of her relations, a daughter lies
upon her bed of suffering. She is fading in body. Her father's mind and spirit
are worn with grief. She is suffering the inward pangs of her sickness. He,
unwashed, unkempt, is absorbed wholly in sorrow. He suffers and endures before
the eyes of the world. She is sinking into the quiet of death... Alas! why are
children indifferent to these things! Why are they not mindful of them? Why are
they not eager to make a return to their parents for them? But the love of
parents goes on nevertheless; and whatever parents bestow upon their children,
God, the parent of us all, will duly repay." (excerpt from SERMON 33.2)
[Peter Chrysologus,
400-450 AD, was a renowned preacher and bishop of Ravena in the 5th century]
THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY
TIME
SUNDAY, JULY 1, MARK 5:21-43 or 5:21-24, 35b-43
(Wisdom 1:13-15, 2:23-24; Psalm 30; 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15)
SUNDAY, JULY 1, MARK 5:21-43 or 5:21-24, 35b-43
(Wisdom 1:13-15, 2:23-24; Psalm 30; 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15)
KEY VERSE: "He said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction'” (Mk 5:34).
TO KNOW: In the midst of a busy day of ministry, Jesus received two urgent requests for healing, but in entirely different ways. Jairus, a synagogue official, approached Jesus directly with the plea to heal his young daughter who was critically ill. As Jesus set out to respond to this need, a woman followed him, pushing through the crowds in order to be healed. Because of her flow of blood, the woman should not have been in the crowd, as she was considered "unclean" and would defile the people (Lv 15:25-33). The woman had spent years seeking a cure to no avail, and in faith-filled desperation she touched the hem of Jesus' garment (tzi-tzit – tassels worn on the hem of a Jew’s garment to remind him to keep the covenant commanded in Deut 22:12). A surge of power went out from Jesus and the woman was healed instantly. Although the woman was fearful, Jesus assured her that her faith had made her whole. At that moment, Jesus was informed that Jairus' daughter had died. Jesus told the distraught father not to be afraid but to put his faith in him. Jesus entered the house where the little girl lay, took her by the hand, and raised her to new life. The child was twelve years old, the marriageable age of a girl at that time, and the same number of years that the woman was afflicted by a hemorrhage. Jesus restored both to be bearers of new life.
TO LOVE: Lord Jesus, help me to reach out to others with your healing touch.
TO SERVE: How can I bring Jesus' healing to someone in pain?
JULY 1 - CANADA DAY
On July 1, 1867, the British government (under Queen Victoria) approved a plan which allowed Canada to become an independent country with its own government. This new nation, which remained loyal to Britain, was called the Dominion of Canada. At that time, the new Dominion of Canada had only four provinces (Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick). The country now consists of 10 provinces and three territories. In 1879, July 1 became a statutory holiday, known as Dominion Day. However, no official celebrations were held until the 50th anniversary in 1917 and the 60th anniversary in 1927.
Sunday 1 July
2018
Week I Psalter. 13th Sunday In Ordinary Time.
Wisdom 1:13-15, 1:23-24. Psalm 29(30):2, 4-6, 11-13.
2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15. Mark 5:21-43.
I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me—Psalm
29(30):2, 4-6, 11-13.
‘Do not fear, only believe.’
Today let us become part of the events being pictured. We sense
the passion with which Jairus pleads to Jesus to cure his daughter.
We marvel at the faith that lies beneath this passion.
We are dismayed to find she is already dead.
We hear Jesus: ‘Do not fear: only believe.’ What can he
mean?
Then he shocks everyone: he announces that she is not dead, but
asleep. As the girl walks, our disbelief turns first to amazement and then to
an overwhelming joy in the secure knowledge that Jesus is Lord of our lives.
What sort of humble response do we want to make?
Saint Junipero Serra
Saint of the Day for July 1
(November 24, 1713 – August 28, 1784)
 |
| A bronze statue of Saint Junipero Serra by sculptor Arthur Putnam stands on the grounds of the Presidio Hill in San Diego. (CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec) |
Saint Junipero Serra’s Story
In 1776, when the American Revolution was beginning in the east,
another part of the future United States was being born in California. That
year a gray-robed Franciscan founded Mission San Juan Capistrano, now famous
for its annually returning swallows. San Juan was the seventh of nine missions
established under the direction of this indomitable Spaniard.
Born on Spain’s island of Mallorca, Serra entered the Franciscan
Order taking the name of Saint Francis’ childlike companion, Brother
Juniper. Until he was 35, he spent most of his time in the classroom—first as a
student of theology and then as a professor. He also became famous for his
preaching. Suddenly he gave it all up and followed the yearning that had begun
years before when he heard about the missionary work of Saint Francis
Solano in South America. Junipero’s desire was to convert native peoples in the
New World.
Arriving by ship at Vera Cruz, Mexico, he and a companion walked
the 250 miles to Mexico City. On the way Junipero’s left leg became infected by
an insect bite and would remain a cross—sometimes life-threatening—for the rest
of his life. For 18 years, he worked in central Mexico and in the Baja
Peninsula. He became president of the missions there.
Enter politics: the threat of a Russian invasion south from
Alaska. Charles III of Spain ordered an expedition to beat Russia to the
territory. So the last two conquistadors—one military, one
spiritual—began their quest. José de Galvez persuaded Junipero to set out with
him for present-day Monterey, California. The first mission founded after the
900-mile journey north was San Diego in 1769. That year a shortage of food
almost canceled the expedition. Vowing to stay with the local people, Junipero
and another friar began a novena in preparation for St. Joseph’s day, March 19,
the scheduled day of departure. On that day, the relief ship arrived.
Other missions followed: Monterey/Carmel (1770); San Antonio and
San Gabriel (1771); San Luís Obispo (1772); San Francisco and San Juan
Capistrano (1776); Santa Clara (1777); San Buenaventura (1782). Twelve more
were founded after Serra’s death.
Junipero made the long trip to Mexico City to settle great
differences with the military commander. He arrived at the point of death. The
outcome was substantially what Junipero sought: the famous “Regulation”
protecting the Indians and the missions. It was the basis for the first
significant legislation in California, a “Bill of Rights” for Native Americans.
Because the Native Americans were living a nonhuman life from
the Spanish point of view, the friars were made their legal guardians. The
Native Americans were kept at the mission after baptism lest they be corrupted
in their former haunts—a move that has brought cries of “injustice” from some
moderns.
Junipero’s missionary life was a long battle with cold and
hunger, with unsympathetic military commanders and even with danger of death
from non-Christian native peoples. Through it all his unquenchable zeal was fed
by prayer each night, often from midnight till dawn. He baptized over 6,000
people and confirmed 5,000. His travels would have circled the globe. He
brought the Native Americans not only the gift of faith but also a decent
standard of living. He won their love, as witnessed especially by their grief
at his death. He is buried at Mission San Carlo Borromeo, Carmel, and was
beatified in 1988. Pope Francis canonized him in Washington, D.C., on
September 23, 2015.
Reflection
The word that best describes Junipero is zeal. It
was a spirit that came from his deep prayer and dauntless will. “Always
forward, never back” was his motto. His work bore fruit for 50 years after his
death as the rest of the missions were founded in a kind of Christian communal
living by the Indians. When both Mexican and American greed caused the
secularization of the missions, the Chumash people went back to what they had
been—God again writing straight with crooked lines.
LECTIO DIVINA: 13TH SUNDAY OF
ORDINARY TIME (B)
Lectio Divina:
Sunday, July 1, 2018
Jesus heals two women
To conquer the power of death and
open a new way to God
Mark 5:21-43
To conquer the power of death and
open a new way to God
Mark 5:21-43
1. Opening prayer
Lord Jesus, send your Spirit to help us to read the Scriptures with the same mind that you read them to the disciples on the way to Emmaus. In the light of the Word, written in the Bible, you helped them to discover the presence of God in the disturbing events of your sentence and death. Thus, the cross that seemed to be the end of all hope became for them the source of life and of resurrection.
Create in us silence so that we may listen to your voice in Creation and in the Scriptures, in events and in people, above all in the poor and suffering. May your word guide us so that we too, like the two disciples from Emmaus, may experience the force of your resurrection and witness to others that you are alive in our midst as source of fraternity, justice and peace. We ask this of you, Jesus, son of Mary, who revealed to us the Father and sent us your Spirit. Amen.
Lord Jesus, send your Spirit to help us to read the Scriptures with the same mind that you read them to the disciples on the way to Emmaus. In the light of the Word, written in the Bible, you helped them to discover the presence of God in the disturbing events of your sentence and death. Thus, the cross that seemed to be the end of all hope became for them the source of life and of resurrection.
Create in us silence so that we may listen to your voice in Creation and in the Scriptures, in events and in people, above all in the poor and suffering. May your word guide us so that we too, like the two disciples from Emmaus, may experience the force of your resurrection and witness to others that you are alive in our midst as source of fraternity, justice and peace. We ask this of you, Jesus, son of Mary, who revealed to us the Father and sent us your Spirit. Amen.
2. Reading
a) A key to the reading:
In this 13th Sunday of
Ordinary Time, the Church asks us to meditate on two of Jesus’ miracles worked
for two women. The first miracle is worked for a woman considered impure
because she suffered from a haemorrhage for twelve years. The second is worked
for a twelve-year-old girl who has just died. According to the thinking of the
times, any person who touched blood or a dead body was considered impure. Blood
and death were factors that excluded people! Thus these two women were
marginalized, excluded from taking part in the community. Today, too, we have
categories of people who are excluded or who feel excluded from taking part in
the Christian community. What are the factors today that cause people to be
excluded, both from the Church and from society?
Mark describes the two miracles quite vividly. The text is long. As you read, think that you are among the crowd around Jesus on the way to Jairus’ house. As you walk in silence, try to pay attention to the many attitudes of the people involved in the miracles: Jairus, the girl’s father, the crowd, the woman suffering from the haemorrhage, the disciples and the girl. Ask yourself what would be your attitude.
Mark describes the two miracles quite vividly. The text is long. As you read, think that you are among the crowd around Jesus on the way to Jairus’ house. As you walk in silence, try to pay attention to the many attitudes of the people involved in the miracles: Jairus, the girl’s father, the crowd, the woman suffering from the haemorrhage, the disciples and the girl. Ask yourself what would be your attitude.
b) A division of the text as a help to
the reading:
Mark 5:21-24: The point of departure:
Jairus loses his daughter. Jesus goes with him and the crowd follows
Mark 5:25-26: The situation of the woman suffering from an irregular haemorrhage
Mark 5:27-28: The woman’s reasoning in the presence of Jesus
Mark 5:29: The woman succeeds in what she wants and is healed
Mark 5:30-32: The reaction of Jesus and of the disciples
Mark 5:33-34: The conversation between Jesus and the woman healed because of her faith
Mark 5: 35-36: The conversation between Jesus and Jairus
Mark 5:37-40: The arrival at Jairus’ house and the reaction of the crowd
Mark 5:41-43: The raising of the girl back to life
Mark 5:25-26: The situation of the woman suffering from an irregular haemorrhage
Mark 5:27-28: The woman’s reasoning in the presence of Jesus
Mark 5:29: The woman succeeds in what she wants and is healed
Mark 5:30-32: The reaction of Jesus and of the disciples
Mark 5:33-34: The conversation between Jesus and the woman healed because of her faith
Mark 5: 35-36: The conversation between Jesus and Jairus
Mark 5:37-40: The arrival at Jairus’ house and the reaction of the crowd
Mark 5:41-43: The raising of the girl back to life
c) The text:
21 When Jesus had crossed again in the
boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered round him and he stayed by the
lake. 22 Then the president of the synagogue came up, named Jairus, and seeing
him, fell at his feet 23 and begged him earnestly, saying, 'My little daughter
is desperately sick. Do come and lay your hands on her that she may be saved
and may live.' 24 Jesus went with him and a large crowd followed him; they were
pressing all round him.
25 Now there was a woman who had suffered from a haemorrhage for twelve years; 26 after long and painful treatment under various doctors, she had spent all she had without being any the better for it; in fact, she was getting worse. 27 She had heard about Jesus, and she came up through the crowd and touched his cloak from behind, thinking, 28 'If I can just touch his clothes, I shall be saved.' 29 And at once the source of the bleeding dried up, and she felt in herself that she was cured of her complaint.
30 And at once aware of the power that had gone out from him, Jesus turned round in the crowd and said, 'Who touched my clothes?' 31 His disciples said to him, 'You see how the crowd is pressing round you; how can you ask, "Who touched me?" ' 32 But he continued to look all round to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman came forward, frightened and trembling because she knew what had happened to her, and she fell at his feet and told him the whole truth. 34 'My daughter,' he said, 'your faith has restored you to health; go in peace and be free of your complaint.'
35 While he was still speaking some people arrived from the house of the president of the synagogue to say, 'Your daughter is dead; why put the Master to any further trouble?' 36 But Jesus overheard what they said and he said to the president of the synagogue, 'Do not be afraid; only have faith.' 37 And he allowed no one to go with him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. 38 So they came to the house of the president of the synagogue, and Jesus noticed all the commotion, with people weeping and wailing unrestrainedly. 39 He went in and said to them, 'Why all this commotion and crying? The child is not dead, but asleep.' 40 But they ridiculed him. So he turned them all out and, taking with him the child's father and mother and his own companions, he went into the place where the child lay. 41 And taking the child by the hand he said to her, 'Talitha kum!' which means, 'Little girl, I tell you to get up.' 42 The little girl got up at once and began to walk about, for she was twelve years old. At once they were overcome with astonishment, 43 and he gave them strict orders not to let anyone know about it, and told them to give her something to eat.
25 Now there was a woman who had suffered from a haemorrhage for twelve years; 26 after long and painful treatment under various doctors, she had spent all she had without being any the better for it; in fact, she was getting worse. 27 She had heard about Jesus, and she came up through the crowd and touched his cloak from behind, thinking, 28 'If I can just touch his clothes, I shall be saved.' 29 And at once the source of the bleeding dried up, and she felt in herself that she was cured of her complaint.
30 And at once aware of the power that had gone out from him, Jesus turned round in the crowd and said, 'Who touched my clothes?' 31 His disciples said to him, 'You see how the crowd is pressing round you; how can you ask, "Who touched me?" ' 32 But he continued to look all round to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman came forward, frightened and trembling because she knew what had happened to her, and she fell at his feet and told him the whole truth. 34 'My daughter,' he said, 'your faith has restored you to health; go in peace and be free of your complaint.'
35 While he was still speaking some people arrived from the house of the president of the synagogue to say, 'Your daughter is dead; why put the Master to any further trouble?' 36 But Jesus overheard what they said and he said to the president of the synagogue, 'Do not be afraid; only have faith.' 37 And he allowed no one to go with him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. 38 So they came to the house of the president of the synagogue, and Jesus noticed all the commotion, with people weeping and wailing unrestrainedly. 39 He went in and said to them, 'Why all this commotion and crying? The child is not dead, but asleep.' 40 But they ridiculed him. So he turned them all out and, taking with him the child's father and mother and his own companions, he went into the place where the child lay. 41 And taking the child by the hand he said to her, 'Talitha kum!' which means, 'Little girl, I tell you to get up.' 42 The little girl got up at once and began to walk about, for she was twelve years old. At once they were overcome with astonishment, 43 and he gave them strict orders not to let anyone know about it, and told them to give her something to eat.
3. A moment of prayerful silence
so that the Word of God may penetrate
and enlighten our life.
4. Some questions
to help us in our personal reflection.
a) What pleased you or touched you most
in this text? Why?
b) What is the attitude of the woman who touched Jesus? What gives her the strength to touch him?
c) Why were the disciples unable to understand what was going on between Jesus and the crowd?
d) Who was Jairus? What is Jesus’ attitude towards Jairus, his wife and daughter?
e) A woman is healed and integrated into the life of the community. A girl is raised from her deathbed. What do these actions of Jesus teach us today for our life within the family and in community?
b) What is the attitude of the woman who touched Jesus? What gives her the strength to touch him?
c) Why were the disciples unable to understand what was going on between Jesus and the crowd?
d) Who was Jairus? What is Jesus’ attitude towards Jairus, his wife and daughter?
e) A woman is healed and integrated into the life of the community. A girl is raised from her deathbed. What do these actions of Jesus teach us today for our life within the family and in community?
5. For those who wish to go deeper into
the theme
a) The context of yesterday and of
today:
i) Throughout his Gospel, Mark goes on
giving information concerning the person of Jesus. He shows how the mystery of
the Kingdom is mirrored in the power that Jesus exercises on behalf of his
disciples, of the crowd and, above all, on behalf of those excluded and
marginalized. However, the more this power is manifested, the less the
disciples comprehend and it is clear that they must change their ideas
concerning the Messiah. Otherwise, their incomprehension will keep on getting
worse and they run the risk of growing apart from Jesus.
ii) In the 70’s, the time when Mark was
writing his Gospel, there was a very great tension within the Christian
communities between the converted Jews and the converted pagans. Some Jews,
especially those who had belonged to the group of Pharisees, continued to
remain faithful to the observance of the laws on purity as found in their
millennia-old culture and, thus, found it difficult to live with the converted
pagans, because they thought that the pagans lived in a state of impurity.
Thus, the story of the two miracles worked by Jesus for the two women was of
great help in overcoming old taboos.
b) A commentary on the text:
Mark 5:21-24: The point of
departure: Jairus loses his daughter. Jesus goes with him and the crowd
follows.
The crowd joins Jesus who has just come across from the other side of the lake. Jairus, head of the synagogue, asks Jesus’ help for his daughter who is dying. Jesus goes with him and the crowd follows, pushing him on every side because they all want to be close to Jesus when he is about to work a miracle. This is the point of departure of the two following episodes: the healing of the woman suffering from a haemorrhage for twelve years and the raising of the twelve-year-old girl.
The crowd joins Jesus who has just come across from the other side of the lake. Jairus, head of the synagogue, asks Jesus’ help for his daughter who is dying. Jesus goes with him and the crowd follows, pushing him on every side because they all want to be close to Jesus when he is about to work a miracle. This is the point of departure of the two following episodes: the healing of the woman suffering from a haemorrhage for twelve years and the raising of the twelve-year-old girl.
Mark 5:25-26. The situation of
the woman suffering from an irregular haemorrhage
Twelve years of haemorrhaging! For this reason, the woman was excluded since in those times blood made a person impure as well as anyone who touched that person. Mark says that the woman had spent all her money on doctors but instead of getting better had got worse. An insoluble situation!
Twelve years of haemorrhaging! For this reason, the woman was excluded since in those times blood made a person impure as well as anyone who touched that person. Mark says that the woman had spent all her money on doctors but instead of getting better had got worse. An insoluble situation!
Mark 5:27-28. The woman’s
reasoning in the presence of Jesus
She had heard about Jesus. A new hope grew in her heart. She said to herself: “If I can just touch his clothes, I shall be saved”. The catechism of those days said: “If I just touch his clothes, I shall become impure”. The woman thinks the exact opposite! This is a sign of great courage. It is also a sign of the fact that woman did not quite agree with what the authorities taught. The woman goes into the middle of the crowd that was pushing Jesus on all sides and, almost secretly, succeeds in touching Jesus.
She had heard about Jesus. A new hope grew in her heart. She said to herself: “If I can just touch his clothes, I shall be saved”. The catechism of those days said: “If I just touch his clothes, I shall become impure”. The woman thinks the exact opposite! This is a sign of great courage. It is also a sign of the fact that woman did not quite agree with what the authorities taught. The woman goes into the middle of the crowd that was pushing Jesus on all sides and, almost secretly, succeeds in touching Jesus.
Mark 5:29: The woman succeeds in
getting what she wants and is healed
At that very moment she feels healed in her body. To this day, in Palestine, on a bend in the road near the lake of Galilee and close to Capharnaum, we can read this inscription on a stone: “Here, in this place, the woman thought to be impure but full of faith, touched Jesus and was healed!”
At that very moment she feels healed in her body. To this day, in Palestine, on a bend in the road near the lake of Galilee and close to Capharnaum, we can read this inscription on a stone: “Here, in this place, the woman thought to be impure but full of faith, touched Jesus and was healed!”
Mark 5:30-32. The reaction of
Jesus and of his disciples
Jesus, too, felt power coming out of him “Who has touched me?” The disciples react: “You see how the crowd is pressing round you; how can you ask, ‘Who touched me?” Here again we have a little disagreement between Jesus and his disciples. Jesus had a sensitivity not seen by the disciples. They react like everyone else and do not understand Jesus’ different reaction: But Jesus does not give up and goes on asking.
Jesus, too, felt power coming out of him “Who has touched me?” The disciples react: “You see how the crowd is pressing round you; how can you ask, ‘Who touched me?” Here again we have a little disagreement between Jesus and his disciples. Jesus had a sensitivity not seen by the disciples. They react like everyone else and do not understand Jesus’ different reaction: But Jesus does not give up and goes on asking.
Mark 5:33-34. The conversation
between Jesus and the woman healed because of her faith
The woman realises that she has been found out. This is a difficult and dangerous moment for her. According to the belief of those days, someone impure who, like this woman, went among the crowd, would contaminate all just by touching her. Such a person made everyone impure before God (Lv 15:19-30). The punishment for this was that she would be taken aside and stoned. In spite of this, the woman has the courage to do what she did. But the woman, fearful and trembling, falls at his feet and tells him the truth. Jesus then pronounces his final judgement: “My daughter…your faith has restored you to health; go in peace and be free of your complaint!” Beautiful and very human words! By saying “My daughter”, Jesus welcomes the woman into the new family, into the community growing around him. What she thought came to pass. Jesus recognises that without the faith of that woman he could not have worked the miracle.
The woman realises that she has been found out. This is a difficult and dangerous moment for her. According to the belief of those days, someone impure who, like this woman, went among the crowd, would contaminate all just by touching her. Such a person made everyone impure before God (Lv 15:19-30). The punishment for this was that she would be taken aside and stoned. In spite of this, the woman has the courage to do what she did. But the woman, fearful and trembling, falls at his feet and tells him the truth. Jesus then pronounces his final judgement: “My daughter…your faith has restored you to health; go in peace and be free of your complaint!” Beautiful and very human words! By saying “My daughter”, Jesus welcomes the woman into the new family, into the community growing around him. What she thought came to pass. Jesus recognises that without the faith of that woman he could not have worked the miracle.
Mark 5:35-36. The conversation
between Jesus and Jairus
Just at that moment emissaries from Jairus’ house arrive to tell him that his daughter was dead. There was no need to trouble Jesus further. For them death was the great frontier and Jesus could not cross it! Jesus listens, looks at Jairus and encourages him to be like the woman, namely to believe that faith can achieve whatever a person believes. Jesus says to him: “Do not be afraid; only have faith!”
Just at that moment emissaries from Jairus’ house arrive to tell him that his daughter was dead. There was no need to trouble Jesus further. For them death was the great frontier and Jesus could not cross it! Jesus listens, looks at Jairus and encourages him to be like the woman, namely to believe that faith can achieve whatever a person believes. Jesus says to him: “Do not be afraid; only have faith!”
Mark 5:37-40. Jesus goes to
Jairus’ house and the reaction of the crowd
Jesus goes apart from the crowd and allows only some of his disciples to go with him. When they arrive at Jairus’ house, he sees people weeping over the death of the girl. He says: “The child is not dead but asleep”. The people in the house laugh. They know when someone is asleep and when someone is dead. It is the laughter of Abraham and Sara, that is, the laughter of those who cannot believe that nothing is impossible for God!” (Jn 17:17; 18:12-14; Lk 1:37). For them also, death is an obstacle that cannot be overcome. Jesus’ words carry a much deeper meaning. In Mark’s time, the situation of the community seemed to be one of death. They had to hear the words: “You are not dead! You are asleep! Wake up!” Jesus takes no notice of the laughter and enters the room where we find the child, himself, the three disciples and the father of the child.
Jesus goes apart from the crowd and allows only some of his disciples to go with him. When they arrive at Jairus’ house, he sees people weeping over the death of the girl. He says: “The child is not dead but asleep”. The people in the house laugh. They know when someone is asleep and when someone is dead. It is the laughter of Abraham and Sara, that is, the laughter of those who cannot believe that nothing is impossible for God!” (Jn 17:17; 18:12-14; Lk 1:37). For them also, death is an obstacle that cannot be overcome. Jesus’ words carry a much deeper meaning. In Mark’s time, the situation of the community seemed to be one of death. They had to hear the words: “You are not dead! You are asleep! Wake up!” Jesus takes no notice of the laughter and enters the room where we find the child, himself, the three disciples and the father of the child.
Mark 5:41-43. The raising of the
child
Jesus takes the child by her hand and says: “Talitha kum!” And the child gets up. Much shouting! Jesus stays calm and asks that food be brought to the child. The healing of two women! One twelve-year old and one who suffered from haemorrhage and was excluded for twelve years! The exclusion of the girl begins at the age of twelve because that is when she begins menstruating. She begins to die! Jesus has greater power and raises her: “Get up!”
Jesus takes the child by her hand and says: “Talitha kum!” And the child gets up. Much shouting! Jesus stays calm and asks that food be brought to the child. The healing of two women! One twelve-year old and one who suffered from haemorrhage and was excluded for twelve years! The exclusion of the girl begins at the age of twelve because that is when she begins menstruating. She begins to die! Jesus has greater power and raises her: “Get up!”
c) Further information: Women in the
Gospels
In New Testament times, women were
marginalized for the simple fact that they were women (cf. Lv 15:19-27; 12:
1-5). Women did not take part in the public life of the synagogue and they
could not be witnesses. That is why many women put up resistance to such
exclusion. Even in Esdra’s time, when the marginalization of women was greater,
(cf Esd 9:1-2;10:2-3), resistance grew, as in the cases of Judith, Esther,
Ruth, Noemi, Susannah, the Sulamite woman and others. This resistance is echoed
in and welcomed by Jesus. Here are some examples of non-conformity and of
resistance of women in daily life and Jesus’ acceptance of them:
The prostitute has the
courage to challenge the laws of society and religion. She enters the house of
a Pharisee to meet Jesus. When she meets him, she meets love and forgiveness
and is defended against the Pharisees. The woman bent double does
not even hear the shouts of the chief of the synagogue. She wants to be healed,
even though it is the Sabbath. Jesus welcomes her as a daughter and defends her
against the chief of the synagogue (Lk 13: 10-17). The woman considered impure because
she was losing blood, has the courage to go in the middle of the crowd and to
think just the opposite of what the official doctrine taught. The official
doctrine said: “Anyone who touches her will be impure!” But she said: “If I can
just touch his clothes, I shall be saved!” (Mk 5:28). She is not censured and
is healed. Jesus says that her healing is the fruit of faith (Mk 5:25-34). The
Samaritan woman, who is despised and considered heretical, has the
courage to approach Jesus and to change the direction of the conversation
started by him (cf. Jn 4:19.25). In John’s Gospel, she is the first person to
hear the secret that Jesus is the Messiah (Jn 4:26). The gentile woman
from the region of Tyre and Sidon does not accept her exclusion and speaks in
such a manner as to make Jesus listen to her (Mk 7: 24-30). The mothers
with little children challenge the disciples and are welcomed and
blessed by Jesus (Mt 19:13-15; Mk 10:13-16). The women who challenged the
authorities and stayed at the foot of the cross of Jesus (Mk 15:40; Mt
27:55-56.61), were also the first to experience the presence of Jesus after the
resurrection (Mk 16:5-8; Mt 28:9-10). Among them was Mary Magdalene who was
considered to have been possessed by evil spirits and was
healed by Jesus (Lk, 8:2). She was given the order to pass on
the Good News of the resurrection to the apostles (Jn 20:16-18). Mark says that
"they used to follow him and look after him
when he was in Galilee. And many other women were there who had come
up to Jerusalem with him" (Mk 15:41). Mark uses three
important words to define the life of these women: follow, look
after, come up to Jerusalem. These three words describe the
ideal disciple. They represent the model for the other disciples who
had fled!
6. Praying with Psalm 103 (102)
Thanking God for all that he does for
us!
Bless Yahweh, my soul,
from the depths of my being, his holy name;
bless Yahweh, my soul,
never forget all his acts of kindness.
from the depths of my being, his holy name;
bless Yahweh, my soul,
never forget all his acts of kindness.
He forgives all your offences,
cures all your diseases,
he redeems your life from the abyss,
crowns you with faithful love and tenderness;
he contents you with good things all your life,
renews your youth like an eagle's.
cures all your diseases,
he redeems your life from the abyss,
crowns you with faithful love and tenderness;
he contents you with good things all your life,
renews your youth like an eagle's.
Yahweh acts with uprightness,
with justice to all who are oppressed;
he revealed to Moses his ways,
his great deeds to the children of Israel.
with justice to all who are oppressed;
he revealed to Moses his ways,
his great deeds to the children of Israel.
Yahweh is tenderness and pity,
slow to anger and rich in faithful love;
his indignation does not last for ever,
nor his resentment remain for all time;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve,
nor repay us as befits our offences.
slow to anger and rich in faithful love;
his indignation does not last for ever,
nor his resentment remain for all time;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve,
nor repay us as befits our offences.
As the height of heaven above
earth,
so strong is his faithful love for those who fear him.
As the distance of east from west,
so far from us does he put our faults.
so strong is his faithful love for those who fear him.
As the distance of east from west,
so far from us does he put our faults.
As tenderly as a father treats his
children,
so Yahweh treats those who fear him;
he knows of what we are made,
he remembers that we are dust.
As for a human person -- his days are like grass,
he blooms like the wild flowers;
as soon as the wind blows he is gone,
never to be seen there again.
so Yahweh treats those who fear him;
he knows of what we are made,
he remembers that we are dust.
As for a human person -- his days are like grass,
he blooms like the wild flowers;
as soon as the wind blows he is gone,
never to be seen there again.
But Yahweh's faithful love for those who
fear him
is from eternity and for ever;
and his saving justice to their children's children;
as long as they keep his covenant,
and carefully obey his precepts.
Yahweh has fixed his throne in heaven,
his sovereign power rules over all.
is from eternity and for ever;
and his saving justice to their children's children;
as long as they keep his covenant,
and carefully obey his precepts.
Yahweh has fixed his throne in heaven,
his sovereign power rules over all.
Bless Yahweh, all his angels,
mighty warriors who fulfil his commands,
attentive to the sound of his words.
Bless Yahweh, all his armies,
servants who fulfil his wishes.
Bless Yahweh, all his works,
in every place where he rules.
Bless Yahweh, my soul.
mighty warriors who fulfil his commands,
attentive to the sound of his words.
Bless Yahweh, all his armies,
servants who fulfil his wishes.
Bless Yahweh, all his works,
in every place where he rules.
Bless Yahweh, my soul.
7. Final Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank for the word that
has enabled us to understand better the will of the Father. May your Spirit
enlighten our actions and grant us the strength to practice that which your
Word has revealed to us. May we, like Mary, your mother, not only listen to but
also practice the Word. You who live and reign with the Father in the unity of
the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
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