Only Believe

4th Sunday after Pentecost

"Little Girl, Get Up!" - Mark 5:41

Anyone who has lost a child or anyone who suffers from a chronic, debilitating illness has every reason to feel frustrated bu today's gospel. Where is my miracle?

The problem with this gospel story is that reason takes a back seat to faith every time. "Do not fear," Jesus says to Jairus (Mark 5:36). I'm not afraid. I'm angry. Where is my miracle? "Only believe," Jesus tells Jairus - and us. Believe what? Where is my miracle?

First of all, we can believe that God in Jesus loves us. That in a powerful miracle in itself. No matter how unclean or sinful or doubtful we are, Jesus counts us as beloved family. He calls the bleeding woman "daughter." He calls the dead girl "little girl." He invites us into a holy family reunion of love and hope.

He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha cum," which means, "Little girl, get up!" Mark 5:41

Then, believe that God comes to us in the most commonplace of events. Jesus does not dance and thump a tambourine when the daughter of Jairus stands up and begins to walk around. Instead, Jesus says to her parents, "Give her something to eat." Imagine the blessing prayed over that snack!

Both Jairus and the unnamed woman who bleeds without ceasing go weak in the knees at the presence of Jesus. They fall to the ground in front of him in desperation, faith, guilt, and hope. Clearly, they both experience miracles; but perhaps miracles are not always as they appear at first glance.

The word "healing" has different meanings in different situation. Sometimes the miracle that Jesus affords us is simple the strength to get up in the morning and face life when we would rather not. When we go weak in the knees, when we encounter Jesus in fear and trembling and frustration, miracles happen.

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