“And Jesus told them to give her something to eat …”
“Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and seeing [Jesus], he fell at his feet, and besought him, saying, ‘My little girl is at the point of death. Please come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live. And [Jesus] went with him. … While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, ‘Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?’ But ignoring what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, ‘Do not fear, only believe.’ And [Jesus] allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. When they came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, he saw a tumult, and people weeping and wailing loudly. And when he had entered, he said to them, ‘Why do you make a tumult and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed at him. But 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. Taking her by the hand he said to her, ‘Talitha cumi’; which means, ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise.’ And immediately the girl got up and walked (she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. … And [Jesus] told them to give her something to eat” (Mark 5:21-24, 38-43; RSV).
Let us pray: O Lord, we hear the running feet of human desperation in your gospel word for us this day. Not only those of Jairus – whose little girl is at the point of death (well, actually who died!) – but that not-so-quiet-desperation in our own lives that seeks your calming and healing touch … And so, to such dark and desperate spaces and places, that are so out of control and dying, shine your light of life anew upon us – enfolding us with the everlasting hope of your Word-made-flesh in Christ … Yes, the One who identifies with us in such times of trial, and who reminds us again this day from his cross and resurrection, that we are never beyond his saving reach:“Talitha, cumi. My beloved daughter/son arise. Hold out your empty hands. For I am the bread of life given for you, for forgiveness of sin and new life. Take and eat.”
See you at Christ’s table that will be set for you this coming Saturday at Vespers and again come Sunday morning. From the One who gives of his very self for you – through the bread and wine – for forgiveness, for healing, for wholeness, for good, for life anew, for always … Come, take and eat.
j.r. christopherson
Senior Pastor