July 1, 2012: 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. 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.” He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him.
While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?” Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James.
When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out.
He took along the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat. (Mark 5:21-24)

The miracles of Jesus are always fascinating to read about. Just imagine if you were in the room where your brother or sister or a good friend was sick and the doctor came and pronounced him or her dead. Of course you would be very, very sad and begin to cry because someone you loved very much was gone and you would never again see them. And then, Jesus walks into the room, takes their hand and tells them to get up. And they not only get up, but they walk around talking to you! It is very hard to imagine what you would do at that moment.

Action:

Keep in your mind the image of your brother or sister or friend you thought was dead, but instead has gotten up, and is walking and talking to you. Try to imagine how happy you would feel about having this person you love so much given back to you. At some time during these next days show your love to that person in a way you have not shown it before–a hug, a smile, a kind word. And, as you do that, feel the love of Jesus within you also.