"TALITHA KOUM"
When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea.
One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.” He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him.
People from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?” Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” He did not allow anyone to accompany him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James.
When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out.
Jesus took along the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around.
At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.
Death is one of the inescapable sad realities of our life. It is particularly hurting when it snatches away people who are young or are specially good, strong, or needed in a family or society. Our faith tells us that suffering and death are not part of God’s original plan for mankind. They were introduced into our life by the devil when he convinced the first human beings to disobey God’s instructions. Their destructive presence is further strengthened every time we sin.
Today’s Liturgy of the Word reminds us that the God in whom we believe does not want death and suffering because He is a “GOD OF LIFE.” He wants that all human beings may have life and have it to the full. Such is the message of the First Reading and the Gospel. Let us be thankful to the Lord for the gifts of life and wholeness in mind and body. Let us also pray that all human beings may enjoy these blessings.
