Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live.” In today’s Gospel reading (Mark 5:21-43), we hear the story of two different miracles; Jairus’ daughter is brought back to life and the curing of the woman with a hemorrhage. The reading starts out with Jesus arriving at the shore and being greeted by the crowds. Jairus, the Jewish leader of the local synagogue, greets Jesus begging him to come help his daughter who is dying. He says that if only Jesus would touch her she would be healed. On his way to see the girl, a woman reaches out to touch Jesus. This woman had a “flow of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse.” She thought, “If I touch even his garments, I shall be made well.” She reaches out “and immediately the hemorrhage ceased; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease.” During this time, a person comes out from Jairus’ house and says, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” Jesus simply responds, “Do not fear, only believe.” Again, the life of Jairus’ daughter was restored. Both Jairus and the woman express unbelievable faith and a desire for God to enter more fully into their lives. This story exemplifies God’s omnipotence, for only a miracle can cure these two women. These people tried everything humanly possible to overcome these inflictions, but only through the power of Christ were they healed. We as Christians should also expect Christ to help us overcome the obstacles in our lives which prevent us from our sanctification. We are attacked from Satan from so many directions. Things are placed in front of us to tempt us. Satan can not force us to turn from God. It is only by the nature of free will that we do so. He places desires of the flesh and mind to trick us into falling away from his grace. In this reading we are given hope that God’s love will save us and bring us fully into eternal life. These afflictions which torment us should be offered up this Lent.

A Simple Prayer Lord Jesus, you are the healer. You cure my afflictions and free me from the bonds of Satan You give me hope of life eternal.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon