READ
Mk 5:21-43 or 5:21-24, 35b-43
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.”
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UNDERSTAND | By Father Greg Friedman, OFM
Saint Mark’s Gospel which we’re reading this year, is known for its rich detail in describing Jesus’ healing miracles. Today we have two stories which are provocative as well. They teach us how we relate to Christ in our daily lives.
In the Gospel, Jesus responds to a synagogue official with a sick daughter, and to a woman suffering from a hemorrhage. In both situations, Christ must deal with very human emotions and complications. The household of the synagogue official is demonstrative in its grieving over the young girl’s death. They even ridicule Jesus for his persistence in offering faith. The woman with the hemorrhage has her own long experience with frustration and failure, and she fears to approach Jesus directly.
In both circumstances, Christ confronts the obstacles and breaks through with healing power. That’s what his whole mission is meant to bring: a radical transformation which overcomes sin, disease, even death. Let’s allow the Lord to break into our lives!
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DISCUSS | By Father Dan Kroger, OFM
According to the first reading (Wis 1:13-15; 2:23-24), did God make death?
Are all the creatures of the world wholesome? What does that mean?
Did God make humans to be imperishable? How did death enter the world?
What is the “gracious act” that Paul is writing about in the second reading (2Cor 8:7, 9, 13-15)?
What is Paul urging the Corinthian community to do? Is he asking too much?
In the Gospel (Mk 5:21-43), who was Jairus? Why did he come to Jesus? What did he ask of Jesus?
What did Jesus do in response to Jairus?
How old was the daughter of Jairus? What happened to her when Jesus said, “Little girl, arise?”
ACT
Send a note to someone you know who is ill and let that person know that you are praying for him or her.
Say a Rosary for all those who are suffering—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
