Jairus and the lady

   - Gospel Reflection



Unlike the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, Mark’s Gospel has no account of Jesus’ birth or early life. Mark plunges straight into the story of John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus. A brief reference is made to the temptations in the desert then Jesus begins his public ministry. There is a sense of urgency. The first disciples are called, the sick are healed, demons are cast out, parables are told, Jesus sails back and forth across the Sea of Galilee, from the Jewish side to the Gentile side . . . he is on a mission!

In todays’ Gospel – Mark 5:21-43 – we meet a number of different people, all drawn to Jesus. Clearly, they see in this man “something” that is important to them. What is it? Two individuals – Jairus and the lady with the hemorrhage – are definite about what they want. And “the great crowd” – what do they want? The apostles – called/appointed earlier by Jesus (see 3:13-19) – are probably not entirely clear yet about what they want. Whether they realise it or not, what all these individuals are seeking – or what they are caught up in – is implied in the essential message of Mark’s Gospel: “‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news’” (Mark 1:14-15).

Jairus “fell at (Jesus’) feet and begged him repeatedly, ‘My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live’.” Of course, we cannot be sure that Jairus is not just a desperate parent grasping at straws. But it does not seem that way. The detail with which Mark tells the story, and his description of Jesus’ response to Jairus, suggests otherwise. Jairus believes in Jesus. Though some encouragement from Jesus is necessary in the face of the skepticism from the onlookers: “Do not fear, only believe.”

“The woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years” is more timid than Jairus. Perhaps because what she is about to do is more daring? And she is a woman. She has no particular authority in the community. Given her medical condition, it is entirely possible that she is divorced. In any case, she is “unclean” and she is going to “touch” him. She is not supposed to do that! Social and religious customs – with their potentially dire consequences – cannot hold her back though. Amidst great fear she expresses her belief in Jesus. He affirms her: “Your faith has made you well”.

So what does it take to become part of what Jesus is offering?

Desire looks like a good place to start. Desire! Do you really want to throw in your lot with him? You can try the direct approach of Jairus. Or you can try the indirect (yet brave) approach of the woman. Just be honest. Be yourself. Jesus is fulfilling his promise every minute of every day: “I am here for you!” He is waiting for your response: “Count me in!”.



For more information click here......

Conversation


Add to Conversation

 

Rating for March

0
 
0
Please click to rate 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down'...

Date
27 June 2021

Tag 1
Gospel

Tag 2
Story

Tag 3
Teaching

Source Name
Michael Whelan sm

Source URL
https://stpatschurchhill.org/...

Activity

Listen to the audio by clicking the play button above.

(Print Page)








Page Counter
12 visitors this month.






Buffer Digg Facebook Google LinkedIn Print Reddit StumbleUpon Tumblr Twitter VK Yummly






Marist Laity Australia - Home Page