13th Sunday in Ordinary Time (“B”)
June 28, 2009

Q. 534: Mark seems to have developed or discovered a “double theme” in today’s gospel. Is he stressing a special point?

A. 534: The graphic on the next page illustrates both of the two healings in the “long” version of today’s Gospel (Mark 5:21-43). The recipients were the synagogue official’s daughter, and the woman with a hemorrhage. The stories are remarkable for three reasons.

First, we recognize Jesus’ desire to restore to wholeness anyone who approaches him and asks in faith for healing. Secondly, we see that those who are doing the petitioning are faith-filled; they believe that Jesus will help them, and they humble themselves when approaching Jesus for healing. Third, Jesus specifically points out that faith is absolutely necessary, no matter how small that grain of faith might be.

The woman with a hemorrhage [in the “long” version of the Gospel] got on her knees and was healed by Jesus, who told her “your faith has saved you.” The synagogue official got on his knees to beg Jesus’ help. Even after his daughter was reported to have died, the synagogue official was told by Jesus to “be not afraid, just have faith.”

The message is clear. No matter what our infirmity might be – either a physical impediment or a state of unconfessed sin – if we humble ourselves and approach Jesus with faith in his love, then we can be reconciled, healed and made whole spiritually. If it accords with Jesus’ will that physical healing is the most lovable thing to do in a given situation, then that will happen. If Jesus calls us to accept our suffering for redemptive purposes (Colossians 1:24), then the ultimate physical healing will be postponed. In either event, what is required is trust in Jesus, faith that he is present and knows what is best for us in every situation.

KNOW YOUR CATECHISM! Jesus did indeed perform signs and miracles, which invited faith in him (CCC #548). Nevertheless, Jesus did not come to abolish all evils here below, but to free us from the gravest slavery, sin (CCC #549). Trust in and abandonment to the providence of God frees us from all anxiety (CCC #2547) – such is the way of humility.

Deacon Paul Rooney
Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha

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