The Nazareth Page - A gospel meditation for your home

June 30, 2024 – Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Mark 5:21-43

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
Download this simple process to Prepare for Sunday using the Observe, Judge, Act Method. 

A parent worries about a sick daughter. A woman who has spent all her savings on ineffective doctors is frustrated and seemingly is about to give up. They come to Jesus seeking assistance. It is early in his public life, but already people are beginning to notice that he is different. He is committed to helping those in need. He cares. Perhaps he can help. And he does. But not to draw attention and fame on himself. But simply to help when help is sought.

Notice that there is a certain style in the life and ministry of Jesus. He rarely calls attention to himself. Rather, he reminds people that God (whom he describes in unusually familiar family terms) is loving, compassionate, caring. And always present. There is no mention of any divine hostile judgment, revenge or anger.

By simply touching the corner of his gown (typical Middle Eastern garb) the woman’s body is restored to health. Without fanfare he heals the sick child. He does not wait around for applause. In fact, he slips away unnoticed almost hiding from the amazed crowd. That’s his style. His mission is not about himself but about giving a clear, and perhaps new to many,  sense of God as concerned and loving. Later, he will inform his followers that it can flow through them as well. So be on the lookout for opportunities to make God’s care and concern real each day to others, especially to those close by.

After I graduated from high school, I decided to enter a Catholic seminary to prepare myself to be ordained a priest. During my years there I decided that I might also be called to serve the church as what was then called “a foreign missionary.” A year before I was to be ordained, I was invited to reconsider my vocation, which soon led to my return home. I was called an ex-seminarian. A relative liked to call me a “drop out.” My missionary orientation changed from distant Africa to the town in Indiana where I grew up.

But in a sense, nothing deep down changed. As so many I was still trying to imitate the life and the mission of Jesus, but now in a very local sense. And that orientation has lasted for the last sixty-five years. I now know that our call to continue the healing ministry of Jesus begins right where we are. In the families we are part of, the community in which we live, in everyday encounters with others. Just like with Jesus, people will come and go in our lives. We try to make God’s presence and love touch them. Just like that day described in today’s gospel.

David M. Thomas, PhD