“Because God did not make death, nor does he rejoice in the destruction of the living. For he fashioned all things that they might have being.” (Wisdom 1:13-14)
For today’s readings, see AELF – June 30, 2024.
Human beings are made for life, for a full and eternal life. However, man is not the master of life: illness and death loom around him; the efforts of medical science can at most prolong human existence, or in some cases revive the dying.
No matter what we do, death inevitably looms on the horizon.
However, in the light of the Gospel, physical death does not appear as a tragic end, but as a passage to a new life. Today’s story proves that Jesus is the master and source of life, and that those who believe in him are promised resurrection.
Jairus was a synagogue leader who had a daughter recently struck down by illness. To save his child, he turned to Jesus, fell at his feet, and pleaded:
“Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.” (Mark 5:23)
In his plea, Jairus expresses both his distress and his faith in Jesus and his healing power. Jesus, in turn, responds to this anguished man’s call: he accompanies him immediately, making his way through the crowd.
But then, a new trial threatens to shake this father’s faith: messengers bring the sad news of his daughter’s death. It’s all over; there’s no need to trouble the Master any longer. It is at this moment that Jesus discreetly intervenes:
“Do not be afraid; just have faith.” (Mark 5:36)
And Jairus, despite everything, holds on to his faith, continuing to hope against all hope. Then Jesus performs the miracle:
“Little girl, I say to you, arise!” (Mark 5:41)
And the girl is brought back to life.
One cannot remain indifferent to the natural tone of this story. By raising Jairus’ daughter, Jesus demonstrates that he is the Master of life and death, and that it is in him that we must seek our salvation.
On another occasion, he said:
“For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him [on] the last day.” (John 6:40)
Death does not end everything; it is like a sleep from which Christ will awaken us. In his letter to the Romans, Saint Paul concludes: “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” (Romans 14:8)
Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24 / 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15 / Mark 5:21-43
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