GOSPEL
Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.
When Jesus had crossed in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered round him and he stayed by the lakeside. Then one of the synagogue officials came up, Jairus by name, and seeing him, fell at his feet and pleaded with him earnestly, saying, ‘My little daughter is desperately sick. Do come and lay your hands on her to make her better and save her life.’ Jesus went with him and a large crowd followed him; they were pressing all round him.
While he was still speaking some people arrived from the house of the synagogue official to say, ‘Your daughter is dead: why put the Master to any further trouble?’ But Jesus had overheard this remark of theirs and he said to the official, ‘Do not be afraid; only have faith.’ And he allowed no one to go with him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. So they came to the official’s house and Jesus noticed all the commotion, with people weeping and wailing unrestrainedly. He went in and said to them, ‘Why all this commotion and crying? The child is not dead, but asleep.’ But they laughed at him. So he turned them all out and, taking with him the child’s father and mother and his own companions, he went into the place where the child lay. And taking the child by the hand he said to her, ‘Talitha, kum!’ which means, ‘Little girl, I tell you to get up.’ The little girl got up at once and began to walk about, for she was twelve years old. At this they were overcome with astonishment, and he ordered them strictly not to let anyone know about it, and told them to give her something to eat.
(Mark 5:21–24, 35–43)
DID YOU KNOW?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
- Jairus, as an official of the synagogue, belonged to one of the groups who were traditionally deeply suspicious and disapproving of Jesus. Here, however, Jairus’ faith is contrasted with the lack of faith of the onlookers, who simply laugh at Jesus. His faith is rewarded.
- For Jesus to lay hands upon a young woman of twelve years of age (old enough to be betrothed) would have been seen as a scandalous act. Jesus breaks through the restrictions of social norms to bring life.
- The longer version of this gospel tells the story of the cure of the woman who had suffered from a haemorrhage for twelve years.
- Someone who had physical contact with women who were menstruating or with corpses became ‘unclean’ and therefore unable to participate in the religious life of Israel. Here Jesus contravenes the Jewish law to bring wholeness and life.
EXPLORING THE WORD
Jesus treats with respect and concern two ‘untouchables’: the haemorrhaging woman and the young girl’s corpse. This double story shows us not only his compassion for those who are sick and his power over death but also his willingness to go beyond social and religious prohibitions in the service of others. The sick and desperate woman overcomes her social inhibitions in order to touch Jesus, hoping that mere contact with his garments will ensure her healing. Her faith urges her to act. In the case of Jairus’ daughter, the child herself cannot ask. Instead, it is her father who pleads for her, even though, as a synagogue official, he was probably deeply suspicious of Jesus. In both cases, it is faith that is the key to healing.
- Have you ever been unable to help yourself, finding yourself totally dependent on another person for your needs?
- Do you feel any special bond with any of the characters in this gospel? In what ways do you identify with them?
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
- ‘Do not be afraid; only have faith.’ Reflect on this statement.
- In the full text of this gospel, two people reach out to Jesus, seeking to have their needs met. What are your needs at the moment? How can Jesus help in having those needs met?
- Share reflections on a time when you felt ostracised by others. How did you feel?
- Who are the people in our communities, in our streets, who are the ‘untouchables’? What are some of the ways in which welcome and healing can be extended to them?
- Be aware of your human connections with others this week. Look around for opportunities to extend a life-giving touch to others.
- Use this week’s gospel acclamation for your prayer:
Our Saviour Jesus Christ has done away with death
and brought us life through his gospel.
SHARING THE TRADITION
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
The emphasis on the role of women in this gospel passage is unmistakable. Over the history of the Church there have been many women who have played prominent roles in the faith life of the community, beginning of course with Mary the mother of Jesus as a model of faith. Today there can be a certain amount of controversy and misunderstanding about the role of women in the Church. It may be worth discussing this and allowing catechumens a chance to clarify their thinking on this issue. It should be pointed out that the Church honours many women as saints and ‘doctors of the Church’.
- Open the discussion with a look at the way Mary acts in the gospels as a model of faith and discipleship.
- Introduce some of the great women who have helped shape the Church: Hildegard of Bingen, St Brigid, Catherine of Sienna, St Theresa, St Claire, some of the early martyrs. There are many to choose from!
- You could invite women who are active in your parish community to speak with the group about their roles and the work they do in the community or to share their faith with the group.
SYMBOLS AND IMAGES
Both the episodes reported in this reading symbolise the passage from death to life. The haemorrhaging woman was ‘untouchable’ and unable to participate in life normally. Strict regulations surrounded the treatment of women with discharges of blood (see Leviticus 15:25–30). She would have been an outcast in her own community and family, living in forced isolation. In his cure of her condition, Jesus has restored this woman to the life of her family and to normal human relationships. In both these episodes human touch is an important element.
LIVING THE WORD
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
- In what ways does your community recognise and give honour to the role women play in the life of the parish?
- Use the open Scriptures as a focus for prayer. Pray for all the women who have leadership roles within your local church community and in the Church more broadly. Pray for the women in your group that they may become models of faith and discipleship and lead others to know and love Jesus. A suitable song could be ‘Make us new’ (GA 436). Conclude with the prayer of blessing in the RCIA at §97C.