Word to the Wise
Tuesday, February 1, 2022 - Tuesday in the 4th Week in Ordinary Time
[2 Sam 18:9-10, 14b, 24-25a, 30-19:3 and Mark 5:21-43]If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured." "Do not be afraid; just have faith." [Mark]
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The evangelist Mark provides a story within a story more than once in his account of Jesus' life. {cf. e.g. 3:20-35]. The intended effect seems to be an intensification of the message, which might be summed up in Jesus' words to Jairus, "Do not be afraid; just have faith."
The story of "Talitha" brackets the story of the lady with the hemorrhages. Her faith is such that all she wants is to "touch his clothes" (other translations: "hem of his garment" or "his cloak"). In a pushing and shoving crowd, this one touch could hardly be noticed. What IS noticed by Jesus is her faith which transcends the material circumstances. She exemplifies what Jesus asks of Jairus, and Jesus says to her, "Daughter, your faith as saved you..."
At the home of Jairus, Jesus once more cuts through the material circumstances - this time, the mourning and weeping - and responds to the faith of Jairus by healing Talitha. He also tells the onlookers not to talk about it! Again, Jesus' identity does not depend on miracles but on faith in him as the Son of God, which, in the case of all who come to him, will be incomplete without the cross and resurrection.
Following Jesus means that we must do more than travel up to the gates of Jerusalem and then turn away. All the miracles, signs and wonders and teachings will find their purpose and meaning in the events of Holy Week. In the meantime, however, we can rejoice with Jairus and the lady at the rewards of their faith. AMEN