Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor.
“Looking Ahead” is a reflection on the Sunday readings, for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, by Father Perry.
By Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor
Today’s Gospel provides a “story within a story.” One is a story of a healing involving blood; and in the other, a young girl is brought back to life. The stories unfold uniquely wrapped one around the other.
The initial story is about the little girl, interrupted by the story involving a long-suffering woman bleeding for 12 years. The story then returns to the little girl who, according to friends of the family, has been declared “dead.”
Both stories are significant for the matters with which they deal. Anything in the ancient world related to blood had great significance. Blood is the “life source”; therefore, undeniably important but loss of blood was clearly a “death source.”
The eating of animals that had not been properly drained of blood was a practice strictly prohibited and was the source of the kosher laws. Touching a dead body clearly made one impure. Note that the observers of the little girl claimed she had died. This was not a body to be touched by Jesus, and yet he declares her to be sleeping and gains the ridicule of the crowd. In both stories, Jesus goes to the “untouchable” to the “place” that would render someone unclean or impure. This is a blood story and a death story. He touches the untouchable and brings forth healing and new life. There is no doubt about it.
In the eyes of Mark, Jesus is clearly from God and does what no one else can, and is even able to bring new life out of places of impurity and from the unclean. Jesus’ comments are simple and direct —
“Your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction”
and —
“Do not be afraid; just have faith.”
Into commotion and grief, Jesus brings hope, healing, peace, and life. This is no ordinary man, but truly a man of God.
Who is “this man” for us? What does he offer? What can he bring about in our life?
Can he truly bring healing and life out of the impurities and “dead things” within us? Are we really called to place our trust and hope in him?
Can we go to him seeking inner truths and deeper significance in the dead ends of our lives?
Today’s biblical stories bring a resounding “yes” to the power, love, and hope that is Jesus!
Quote of the week |
“Even a fish wouldn’t get into trouble if it kept its mouth shut.” — Korean proverb.
