Jairus’ daughter and the woman who touched Jesus’ cloak: Mark 5:21-43

Imaginative Contemplation

A new day on the other side of the lake. Jesus stayed by the shore while a large bustling group of people crowded around him. How do I feel when I am surrounded by an unruly crowd?

Jairus, a synagogue official, begged Jesus to heal his gravely ill daughter. This was a last resort for Jairus. His need overcame all reticence to be seen asking help from Jesus who was so unpopular with the Jewish leaders. Am I sufficiently aware of my need for God’s grace that I will risk alienation from ‘important’ people?

Jesus immediately turned to follow Jairus to his home. Is St. Mary McKillop’s maxim ‘Never see a need without doing something about it’ a part of my life?

A woman, unclean in the eyes of the Law, came up behind Jesus and touched his clothes, confident that she would be cured. How did she touch Jesus’ clothes? What was her experience as she did so?

This interruption must have caused Jairus much anxiety.

How did Jairus feel as Jesus resumed his journey, confronted the crowd at Jairus’ house and entered and cured the little girl?

Jesus stopped, turned around and searched for the woman. How did Jesus experience the feeling of ‘power going out of him’?

 

Enter into the scene

This is a complex story. I can enter into this scene as the woman, seeking a cure which would rehabilitate her, both socially and health-wise.

I could imagine Jairus’ journey through hope, frustration and deep relief and gratitude.

I could consider Jesus as he deals with the crowded situation, the actions of the woman, the pleading of Jirus and the reaction of the disciples and of those at Jairus’ house.

For further reflection

Discuss with Jesus the following points:

  • How do I react in crowded situations?

  • Are there times when I don’t want anyone to notice me? Why is that?

  • How do I react when circumstances change, and I am not able to do what I want to do right now?

  • When my opinion is challenged, am I able to discern where God is speaking in my life at this time?

Prayer

Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. Amen.