Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Hebrews 12:1-4; Psalm 22:26b-27, 28 and 30, 31-32; Mark 5:21-43
Introduction
In today’s gospel portion we encounter the Marcan writing style of intercalation – stories nested within stories. This style allows for deeper and immediate insights into the Divine Love. We encounter two females in distress (burdened), one a young girl (prepubescent) and the other an old woman (post menopausal). In the Greek world, the dominate culture, only a fertile woman has value (overstatement but instructive).
A young girl and an old woman are nearly invisible and not valued as persons in the modern world too. The healing Jesus provides is direct contact, i.e., If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured; and He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!”. The invisible and ‘not valued’ are highly valued in the sight of God worthy of his blessing and his direct and personal intervention.
The other part of the intercalation is the story of the healing of the old woman is inside the story of the healing of the young girl. The healing of the old woman of hemorrhages (debilitating but not fatal) is inside the healing of the young girl who was at the point of death or actually dead – Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?. Whatever the burden the LORD wants to provide relief – long enduring pains and sharp sudden illness).
Jesus addresses the old woman as daughter and the girl as little girl which are both endearing and loving expressions of person-hood. YOU are my daughter. YOU are my little girl.
Finally, the reference to twelve years. The girl (12 y/o) the hemorrhage (12 years duration). AI summary: In Judaism, the number 12 is a symbol of perfection, wholeness, and divine order. It appears in many aspects of Jewish life, including the 12 tribes of Israel, the 12 months of the year, and the 12 hours of the day. So we can conclude the perfect healing love of Jesus is for all women!!
The gospel story: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/5?21 (‘and following’ that is what ‘ff’ means when you see a reference like MK 5:21ff).
Rid Ourselves of the ‘Less than”
Brothers and sisters:
Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us.
Burdens and sin are less than holy, less than divine and less than the life we are meant to live. Baptism, Anointing of the Sick and Reconciliation are the Sacramental gifts of restoration.
Come Lord Jesus, heal me
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.”
(She …) touched his cloak.
She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.”
Immediately her flow of blood dried up.
He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you.
Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.”
He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,”
which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!”
Personal Reflection
From the moment of conception to a natural death the Lord is with you.
Always and in All Ways.
- Go in peace.
- Be cured of your afflictions.
- Arise!
Let the Divine Love -> love you.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020425.cfm
Special 33 DAYS OF AFFIRMATION prayers for women: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2024/05/28/thirty-three-days-of-affirmation-for-women-journey-of-spirituality-and-empowerment/
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry