Good Morning,
Welcome to your online worship from St. Mark’s for Sunday, June 30, 2024.
In my sermon for this Sunday, we reflect on Jesus’ mission to restore all people into a right relationship with God, regardless of their societal status. It intertwines the healing of Jairus’ daughter and the unnamed woman suffering from hemorrhages, highlighting themes of vulnerability, faith, and Jesus’ inclusive love. We are invited to hear God’s call to embody compassion and to recognize everyone as equally valued in God’s eyes.
Today’s Opening Sentence
Our Saviour Jesus Christ has abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. – 2 Timothy 1.10
Today’s Reading – Mark 5:21-43
When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live.” So he went with him.
And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, “If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well.” Immediately her hemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my clothes?” And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, ‘Who touched me?’ ” He looked all around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader’s house to say, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?” But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. When he had entered, he said to them, “Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. Then he 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. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha cum,” which means, “Little girl, get up!” And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.1
Your Online Message and Prayers
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Reflection questions for the week:
- Reflect on a time when you felt vulnerable or marginalized. How did your faith sustain you during that period? What can you learn from the woman with hemorrhages about approaching Jesus with trust and faith?
- Jesus treated Jairus, Jairus’ daughter, and the unnamed woman with compassion and restored them equally. How can you embody Jesus’ inclusive love in your interactions with others, especially those who may be marginalized or overlooked?
- In our current society, many face economic hardships and societal divides. How does Jesus’ response to the woman’s desperation challenge you to respond to the needs of others in your community today? What practical steps can you take to show compassion and support?
- The gospel reading referred to both Jairus’ daughter and the woman as “daughter,” emphasizing their equal belonging in God’s family. How does this truth shape your understanding of community and belonging within your church and broader society? How can you foster a sense of belonging and inclusion among those around you?
A continued reminder that if you are at all uncomfortable being in-person for worship, or if you are not feeling well, please join us here online.
Thank you again for joining with your parish family in our online worship today.
Find out how you can support our ministry and good work in the community here.
God Bless you and have a blessed week. Be well!
Peace,
The Rev’d Canon Rob Park
- Scripture quotation is from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.