Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor.
By Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor
A reflection on the daily readings, for Memorial of St. John Bosco, priest, by Father Perry.
+ All of the word of God today could be said to be a response to two questions: “What has he done for us?” and, “What has he done to us?”
The “for us” is eloquently answered in the letter to the Hebrews. For us: he endured the cross and its shame, endured opposition from sinners, resisted not even at the point of pouring out his last drop of blood; and all so that when he approached his throne we could welcome us into his glory!
The “to” us is answered through two healing stories.
And one of the unique things about these stories is that the first story of healing about to happen is interrupted by the second story that happens in a kind of backward — or “in reverse” — way, only to return to the first healing which, kind of by accident, actually becomes the second story of healing.
It all looks kind of like a “leapfrog” set of circumstances, but what is clear is that Jesus‘ power astounds and his bold words and actions almost repulse some whose response to him becomes ridicule and doubt.
And, boy, do they look foolish after all is said and done.
Raising the daughter of Jairus.
On the way to save the daughter of Jairus, a woman suffering 12 years of hemorrhages — and spending all of her savings on quack doctors who took the money and ran — heard about Jesus, heard about his powerful healing abilities, heard that he was in the crowd, and thought not to ask him for anything, but just to secretly touch his cloak.
This woman who trusted doctors for years and gave everything she had in search of healing believed that if she just touched his cloak, that would be more than enough!
And she did! And it was! And Jesus asked: “Who touched me?”
And the disciples responded: “Duh! Look at how many people are pressing up against you, and you ask ‘Who touched me?'”
Then Jesus went still further and took her way beyond the healing and the accompanying fear (had she gone too far by touching him without his permission?) at her bold action.
And Jesus both healed and affirmed her faith, and she was made whole and blessed at the core of her spirit all at the same time.
Whew!
But then the action continues as he gets to where he was going, that is, the house of Jairus.
The doubtful and faithless crowd were already in the throes of mourning at the death of the child, but Jesus would have none of it.
He declares her to be sleeping; they mock him for his “obvious ignorance.”
He ignores their lack of faith; he respectfully takes only his disciples and the parents into the presence of the impending miracle.
He utters a commanding invitation: “Talitha koum” (“Little girl, I say to you, arise“). And she does immediately!
And only one response was possible and indeed occurred — they were utterly astounded.
How about you and me?
Does Jesus’ love and power sink down into our souls? Does his way lead us to trust and discover God’s grace, even leaking into our weaknesses and sin and doubt?
Do we or have we heard our own vision of Jesus saying to us: “Talitha koum”; and his power and love arising in us making us to be more, and have more, and live more of his life and God’s kingdom within us?
This two-in-one story of healing and faith has much to share and much to say to us.
We read about them and are really reading, at the same time, about us.
And hopefully, we, too, can and actually will be utterly astounded!
Father Perry D. Leiker is the 13th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at pleiker@stbernard-church.com. Follow Father Perry on Twitter: @MrDeano76.
