13th Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year B)
Scripture: Wis. 1:13–15; 2:23–24; Ps. 30:2, 4, 5–6, 11, 12, 13; 2 Cor. 8:7, 9, 13–15; Mk. 5:21–43
This Sunday is yet another occasion to know about Jesus. Last Sunday’s liturgy revealed to us that Jesus is someone who exercises authority over the sea which was considered to represent chaos, uncertainty, danger, etc. This Sunday’s liturgy reveals to us that Jesus is compassionate. He reveals to us God’s compassion through his miracles and exorcisms.
The book of wisdom repeats what was said in the book of Genesis that we are all created in the image and likeness of God. Man had dominion over the creation. He created everything that was good. It is easy to understand God as compassionate till this point. While we reflect on death, it is difficult to understand God. The author of the book of Wisdom tells that God did not create death, and he does not delight in our death. This means God wanted us to live an immortal life. He wanted us, not to separate from him. The Jews always viewed death as the last enemy of a human being. It was not conquered until the arrival of Jesus. It came into the world through sin and the father of sin is the devil. The compassion of God was seen in the creation of human beings.
As man began to suffer and die, the people began to interpret it as God’s blazing anger on humanity which often indulged in sins. Jesus came into the world to show God’s compassion to the whole of mankind. Today’s Gospel text gives us two miracles stories. Jesus returned to Capernaum, a village where Jesus spent most of his time in ministry. As soon as he got down from the boat, Jairus, the official of the synagogue pleads healing to his daughter. Jairus was a highly reputed man. He was the head of the synagogue administration. He might have had the same views of the Pharisees that Jesus was a heretic. Jairus kept aside his pride, fear, prejudice. He chose humility to approach Jesus. Jairus also received the message that his daughter was no more. He was in total despair. Jesus visited his house and raised his daughter to life.
Jesus shows compassion to Jairus and his family. Jesus also shows that he has authority over the life of human being. Later, Jesus conquered death by his own death and resurrection. The miracle of raising Jairus’ daughter is a foreshadow of Jesus’ resurrection. The whole episode is seen as Jesus reaching out to people in dire need. Jesus is seen as the fulfilment of the book of wisdom.
There is yet another story given in the story of the raising of Jairus’ daughter. A lady suffering from a haemorrhage for twelve years touches the fringe of Jesus’ garment and receives healing. The lady had all the problems in her life. She had a haemorrhage which means to say that she had an illness related to her reproductive organs. It is most likely had issues related to bearing children. She was carrying the pain of unable to have the joy of children. Her illness also made us ritually unclean. She was disqualified to attend the services in the synagogue which Jairus led. She had spent all her money on the illness. She had become poor. Lack of money might have also resulted in a lack of nutritious food. Her constant flow of blood and lack of food might have made her weak and fragile. Above all, in spite of her uncleanliness, she had touched so many people while waiting to touch Jesus. she was liable for punishment.
Jesus shows compassion to the unnamed woman. He builds a unique relationship with her. He calls her daughter and enters into a new relationship. Both the miracle stories reveal to us that Jesus showed his compassion to those who had no other options left but Jesus, the last and only option.
God calls us to show the same compassion to our fellow brothers and sisters. St. Paul understood it. Therefore, he shared whatever he had with the people. He tells the people of Corinthians also to contribute to the lives of the poor and needy in Jerusalem. He had done it previously in the churches in Macedonia and Galatia. He makes a convincing appeal by giving the example of Jesus. He was the Son of God but emptied himself. He assumed human life and death.
Let us pray during the Holy Eucharist, that we may learn from our Lord to show compassion to our brothers and sisters in times of needs.
