Today's table of the Word comes with such a tender spirit of emotion, passion and relief. It beautifully presents human challenging conditions in such a way that, our Lord was moved with mercy upon His people (cf. Mark 5:21–43).
The first reading and the Gospel capture something very human:
- A father weeping.
- A woman trembling.
- A child dying.
- A king brokenhearted.
And in the middle of all that pain.
God is still quietly at work, gently paddling the canoe, in silence handling the steering. Because grace often moves most deeply
not in noise, but in tears.
The first reading presents the pathetic tale of Absalom's death and his father's pain (cf. 2 Samuel 18:9–10, 14b, 24–25a, 30—19:3)
Here King David wins the battle,
but loses his son. Absalom was rebellious. He betrayed his father. He caused war. Yet David does not say: “Justice is served.”
He cries: “O my son Absalom, my son, my son!” It is the cry of a father’s heart. Love does not calculate worthiness. It simply loves.
- Even when wounded.
- Even when rejected.
- Even when broken.
David here mirrors something divine.
Because this is how God loves us.
- Even when we run away.
- Even when we betray Him.
- Even when we sin.
- God does not stop calling us: “My child… my child…”
That is why the Church teaches that God’s love is “tender and merciful” (CCC 239).
- Not abstract.
- Not Personal.
- But Fatherly.
In the same scenario, today's Gospel pericope presents one of the most beautiful scenes in the Gospel.
- Two stories.
- Two sufferings.
- One Saviour.
- The woman
- Twelve years bleeding.
- Twelve years rejected.
- Twelve years unseen.
She doesn’t ask loudly. She simply touches His cloak. And power flows.
Because even timid faith touches God.
In the case of Jairus, a father desperate for his dying daughter.
Jesus delays. Imagine the agony.
Every minute feels like death.
Then the message comes: “Your daughter is dead.” It seems finished.
But Jesus says: “Do not fear, only believe.” And He walks into death’s room… and speaks life. “Little girl, arise.” And death obeys. Because when Jesus enters, nothing is truly lost.
Beloved in Christ Jesus, today's liturgy of the Word displays in clear terms the reality of human challenging conditions, where we are exhorted to hold on to God even:
- when life turns blue.
- when the going is tough.
- when the centre can no longer hold it.
- when we find ourselves at the crossroads of life.
Then a gentle touch of the fringe of His cloak can solve the situation. A persistent waiting upon the Lord even when our hope fails us, and the line has been crossed. God is still at work, "11.59" is never too late for Him. He will certainly speak life into us, He will restore the infirmed limbs and build up the brokenhearted.
Finally, let us as a family pray together:
Lord, when my heart aches like David’s, teach me to trust You like Jairus, to reach for You like the woman, and to believe even when hope seems gone.
Stay near me in every storm and sorrow.
Amen.
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