THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YR B
Wis. 1:13-15,2:23-24 ; Ps 30
2Cor. 8:7,9,13-15; Mk 5:21-43
JESUS, LORD OVER DESPERATE SITUATIONS
The gospel narrates two stories of healing. One story is about a father who comes to Jesus to come heal his dying daughter. The other story is about a desperate woman who risks everything as she seeks healing from Jesus.
The story identifies Jairus as a synagogue official which means that he was a very important person in the Jewish community. Devastated by the threatening sickness of the daughter, he came to Jesus to ask for healing. Jesus responded immediately but as they were going one woman who had been afflicted with haemorrhages for twelve years, came and touched Jesus. Jesus stopped and asked who touched him. This would have been strange considering that he was in the midst of the crowd. The woman could have remained anonymous but she came forward. Jesus acknowledged her faith and told her, “go in peace and be cured of your afflictions”.
At this point you can imagine the impatience and anxiety of Jairus because we were told that his daughter was seriously sick. Alas! His messengers came from his house with the news of the death of his daughter. Jesus, however assures him not to fear but hold on to his faith. Jesus got to the house and raised the girl from her “sleep”.
When we read these two stories, we see the differences between Jairus and the woman. One is a man, the other is a woman. One is a public official and the other has lost everything and even cut off from her community. Our relationship with Jesus is not scheduled according to our social status. We come to the Lord with faith and not our riches or mundane qualifications. Jesus says, anyone who “comes to me I will certainly not cast out” (Jn 6:37). Artificial distinctions of importance based on social status is unacceptable in the church.
Furthermore, no matter how we express our faith, Jesus’ power will come to our aid. Jairus came to Jesus publicly with a profound gesture of falling prostrate before Jesus and pleading for assistance. The woman on the other hand silently and quietly touched Jesus even without his consent. The quality of faith is not in its public display but the fact that a person’s heart is yielded to Christ.
When messengers came from Jairus’ house with news that “your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer”, Jesus assured him “do not be afraid just have faith” (Mk 5:35-36). There is no trouble or problem that can overwhelm the power of Jesus. He has everything under his power and under his control. Whatever problems you may be going through is not too much for Jesus to handle; DO NOT BE AFRAID, HAVE FAITH.
Jesus is the answer to every human need, anxiety and conflict. In the story, we find in Jairus one who can be described as an important personality, rich and influential. But is desperate, confused and helpless. In meeting Jesus we could tell that this may have been a long battle for him. Falling at the feet of Jesus he says, “my daughter is at the point of death please come and lay your hands on her”. The woman on the other hand can be described as a “nobody” who has lost everything in trying to find healing for her sickness. She is one who would not be allowed to mingle with the community because of her ailment. She even does not dare to stand before Jesus to make a request. These two people needed only one thing in their lives, JESUS. No matter who you are Jesus is the only one who can fulfill your deepest longing. He is the only one who can give you true peace.
But sometimes we do not know that it is Jesus we need. We think that everything is alright with us. I pray that you open your heart more for Jesus so you see how your life would have been, sweeter than you have now. True peace comes from Jesus not from our riches and certainly not from our wretchedness.
Are you desperate and do not know what to do in your life right now? Come to Jesus.
Do you think that your life is over? Have you tried many solutions and consulted many lords to no avail? Jesus is the answer to every desperate situation. He is the life of all desolate souls. Come to him.
God bless you.
BY Rev. Fr. Delight Arnold Carbonu
