Jairus’s Daughter and the Woman with a Hemorrhage

Today's Reflections

Jairus’s Daughter and the Woman with a Hemorrhage 

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Mk 5:21-43

²¹When Jesus had crossed again [in the boat] to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. ²²One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing [Jesus] he fell at his feet ²³and 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.” ²⁴He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him, and pressed upon him.

²⁵There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. ... ²⁷She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. ²⁸She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” ²⁹Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. ...

³⁵While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?” ³⁶Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” ³⁷He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. ³⁸When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. ³⁹So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” ... ⁴¹He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” ⁴²The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. [At that] they were utterly astounded. ⁴³He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.

PLEADED EARNESTLY. Jairus’ request is urgent: his daughter is at the point of death. On the way, a woman afflicted with hemorrhages touches Jesus’ cloak. Despite the crowd, Jesus recognizes that power has gone out of him for healing and commends the woman for her faith.

Hurrying home, Jairus receives news that his daughter has just died. Jesus tells the synagogue official not to be afraid. He then brings the girl back to life.

The woman suffering from hemorrhages for 12 years and the 12-year-old girl symbolize the 12 tribes of Israel; Jesus’ intervention, bringing healing and life, declares that he is the one to restore the 12 tribes of Israel.

In hopeless situations, hang on to Jesus’ words:

“Do not be afraid; just have faith.”