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Vocation Meditation -
June 28, 2009
Used with permission from ChristianComputerArt.Com
When Jesus had crossed in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. Then one of the synagogue leaders named Jairus came and, when he saw Jesus, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly. "My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live." So Jesus went with him. And a large crowd followed him.
Some people came from the leader's house to say, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?" But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe."
Jesus allowed no one to follow him. When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. When he had entered, he said to them, "Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him.
Then Jesus put them all outside, and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha cum," which means, "Little girl, get up." And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about for she was twelve years of age. At this they were overcome with amazement.
It is of particular note that the Gospel of Mark was written in Greek. The Aramaic expression "Talitha cum!" found its way into his Gospel, thanks to Peter to whom Mark was a faithful disciple. Peter must have used these same words of Jesus in his preaching. For Peter, no translation could capture that moment of healing. It strongly conveyed all the love and the gentleness Jesus showed to the little girl and to her family experiencing pain and loss. Mark, faithful to Peter's teaching, kept the expression original. This passage has a story of contrasts.
There is the contrast between the despair of the mourners and the hope of Jesus. 'Don't bother the Teacher,' they said. 'There's nothing anyone can do now.' And Jesus, 'Do not fear. Just believe!' From the mourners side, it is the voice of despair that speaks. On Jesus' side, the voice of hope!
There is the contrast between the unrestrained distress of the mourners and the calm serenity of Jesus. There was weeping and loud wailing that signaled death had come to the little girl. Their distress was unrestrained and overwhelming. Amidst the commotion Jesus was calm, quiet, serene and in control.
The difference was due to Jesus' perfect confidence and trust in God and in the power He has within. Any worse human disaster can be met with courage and gallantry when we meet it with God. The mourners laughed at Jesus to scorn, but their laughter was turned to an amazed wonder at what Jesus can do. Jairus' humility to ask for help and the faith he placed in Jesus turned their sorrow into joy!
Vocation Challenge:
"Talitha cum!" "Little one, get up!"
When discouragement floods my soul, do I allow Jesus' words to restore my spirit?
Dear God,
You bring new life to weary hearts. When sorrow comes to test my vocation, I need not fear but believe. Call me to get up. Each time I respond, your grace restores me for greater loving. Amen.
For the full Gospel reading for this Sunday, visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops site.