The Cyber Vitamin June 29, 2006

The Cyber Vitamin
June 29, 2006

Read Mark 5:21-43

The Story:

In today’s Gospel lesson from Mark, we have a story within a story. The main story is about Jesus answering the request of Jairus, the chairperson of the parish council (ruler of the synagogue). The secondary story outlines an event on the way to the house of Jairus. Both stories are intended to raise the question: “Who is this?”

Jesus, had sailed over from the Eastern side of Galilee. Stepping ashore on more familiar north-western bank, Jesus was immediately met by Jairus. This man’s 12 year old daughter was gravelly ill. Jairus begged Jesus to come immediately and lay his healing hands on her. Jesus set off.

The journey was slow because of the pressure from the crowd. As Jesus worked his way ahead, a diseased woman, with astounding faith and courage, reached out her hand to touch the hem of her garment and became healed. Jesus publicly commended her faith and sent her on her way in peace.

This woman, according to established Jewish practice, was unclean, untouchable. She ought to have kept to herself out of sight, and definitely out of touch.

In their society she had a second strike against her. She was female. They regarded women as inferior, not fit for male company. Publicly they were not to associate with men.

Yet this woman had the courage to join the crowd of men in a public place. She pushed among them, through their abuse and worked her way to the side of Jesus, and she touched him.

And she felt herself healed. What a woman!

Then we return to Jarius and his ailing daughter Jesus is told that it was too late; his daughter had died. Jesus undeterred, tells Jarius not to panic but to have faith. Having said this, he continued on his way to the house. And in the midst of their wailing he enters into the scene of despair and hopelessness and with a word heals the little girl.

Who is this fellow Jesus?” That is the question Mark addresses with these two stories. And he doesn’t give us a pat answer.

What he does tell us is whoever Jesus is; there is a strength which goes out of him into others. He empowers those who are oppressed and those who languish until they meet him. The least, the last and the lost in any society at any time and place are his special beloved friends. And he will empower anyone today who dares to have faith in him and his way of love.

Reflection:
Have you felt the tender healing touch of Christ's love in your life? Do you see the importance of feeling that touch? Do you recognize that this is the touch that not only heals but empowers you to make real those impossible dreams you have for yourself and the world around you? Are you helping others to find the healing touch of Christ?

Do you step forward with boldness to grow in your intimacy with Jesus and share with others the reality and fruit of that intimacy? Or, are you hiding in the crowd and afraid to step forward and reach out to Christ?

Prayer:
Loving God, Jesus has come into our world and into our lives to, through human touch to bring us close to your love, your life and your plan for us. Empower us, through the work of your Spirit to let go of any hesitancy to reach out and go to wherever we find Jesus in our lives and in our world. Heal us, mold us and guide us through our faith in Jesus. Amen.