By Fr. Edward Looney | For On Mission
Many of the Gospel stories relate to the reader that large crowds were following Jesus. There are a few different types of followers — those who Jesus calls to follow him and they leave everything; those who have a curiosity about him, like those who begin following him to Jairus’s house in today’s Gospel; and those who follow with ill motives.
One of my favorite Gospel stories is that of Bartimaeus. When I think about that blind man, I always wonder who told him about Jesus and how did he know that Jesus could open his eyes? I always conclude that he needed to listen to someone else tell him stories about the signs and wonders Jesus was doing.
The same principle applies to the Gospel for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. How do the large crowds on the other side of the lake hear about Jesus? What compels Jairus to seek out Jesus specifically (besides his daughter’s sickness)? How did the hemorrhaging woman arrive at a belief that touching Jesus’ cloak would heal her?
All the people in the Gospel story have heard something about Jesus and what they heard convinced them that Jesus would care about their situation and might even help them with a miracle. What they have heard has given them faith.
Approaching Jesus wouldn’t hurt anything, it could only help them, it could only change everything. Asking to heal his daughter would mean she wouldn’t die, and they would have innumerable years together as a family. Touching his cloak could give relief to the afflicted woman. Following Jesus to the home of Jairus to see what happens could give new purpose to the passive followers if they become convinced he is legitimate.
We live 2,000 years removed from the events of today’s Gospel, yet we are hearers about Jesus. We have heard his story by reading the Gospels, praying the rosary and attending Mass. We have heard, but do we believe?
We have the benefit of hearing about happenings beyond the Gospels. We have heard what followers of Jesus have done in his name for centuries. We have heard about apparitions, messages and miracles. Of all the things that we have heard, has it led to a deeper and more profound faith?
Jairus and the hemorrhaging woman heard and believed, they approached and pleaded with the Lord. The Lord was passing by them, but he has remained here with us in the Holy Eucharist.
Allow what you have heard to bring you to your knees before the Blessed Sacrament, pleading for what you need. And when you receive the grace you request from the Lord, be sure to share it with others, so that they may now hear and be moved to belief too.
Fr. Looney serves as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawano, and priest celebrant of St. Martin of Tours Parish, Cecil. He is the author of the new book “Places of Grace.”