Daily Reflections
Mark 5:21-43 • St John Bosco (Memorial)
We live in an atheistic age in which belief in miracles is unusual and unfashionable. In earlier times, it was commonplace to regard extraordinary happenings as miraculous or supernatural. In the twenty-first century, however, such acceptance is seen as unsophisticated and based on ignorance of scientific principles. It might be more accurate to say that the twenty-first-century mind is less likely to be receptive to spiritual issues. Even so, we are all sometimes confronted by events which defy logical or scientific explanation, and the Christian is called to see in these events a demonstration of the power and presence of God. Antony Bloom, the Russian-born Orthodox bishop, has aptly said: ‘A miracle is not the breaking of the laws of the fallen world, it is the re-establishment of the laws of the kingdom.’
Today’s Gospel reading confronts us with events which have no scientific or logical explanation. None, that is, other than a direct intervention of God. These healings are a foretaste of the new life in God’s kingdom which we are all destined to inherit. Whereas sickness and death are the inevitable result of physical processes in this life, the natural law of God’s kingdom is free from corruption and evil.
Jairus and the woman both approach Jesus in a state of utter desperation. Jairus states that his daughter is dying. The woman has spent all she has in trying to find a cure. Neither approaches Jesus in a state which could remotely be described as calm assurance. Both have faith, but faith that wavers under pressure. Even so, both come to Jesus and remain with him, despite the fact that the situation looks hopeless. Their persistence is rewarded by an awe-inspiring demonstration of Jesus’ power and compassion!
We too can know that Jesus expects us to approach him even in situations which look hopeless. He asks us to have faith in him, but is prepared himself to strengthen the faith which falters.
The resurrection of Jesus was the greatest miracle on the face of the earth, and transformed a sinful, hostile, condemned humanity into beloved sons and daughters of God, destined to inherit eternal life.
Lord, teach us about your compassion and love for us. Strengthen our faith.
2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14, 24-25, 30–19:3
Psalm 85(86):1-6 • Mark 5:21-43
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