13B Sunday Homily, Mark 5:21-43, June 30, 2024
1. STORY
A king loved his hunchback son very much and tried every method to have him cured. Finally, he sought the help of a wise man who advised him to have a statue made which looked like his son except with a straight back. The statue would be put in the palace garden. Every time the son would see the statue he would say, “Oh, that looks like me.” Gradually the boy’s back became straight. The son was cured. The king thanked the wise man for his help. This story is like today’s gospel.
2. GOSPEL: MARK 5:21-43
A. THE FAITH OF JAIRUS
Jairus went to Jesus for help saying, “My daughter is at the point of death.” “Please come…that she may get well and live.” Jairus had great faith in the power of Jesus.
B. JESUS CURED THE CHILD
Jesus was willing to help the father but encouraged him to have faith
even though he received the news that the child had died. “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” Jesus spoke to the child and said, “Little
girl, I say to you arise!” “The girl, a
child of twelve, arose immediately and walked.” Jesus cured her.
3. APPLICATION TO LIFE
A. BELIEVE IN JESUS
Just like the king and Jairus, we have our own problems. Some may be health problems, family problems, financial problems, or faith problems. Jesus will always help us if we ask him and if our faith in him is strong. Do not expect an instant cure. Jesus will help us in his own way and in his own time. Jesus tells us, “Do not be afraid, just have faith.”
B. JESUS HELPS US
Jesus helps us in three ways.
i) As the Light of the world, Jesus tells us that here is a loving God
who cares for us, wants us to be happy on this earth, and wants us to enjoy
eternal happiness in heaven. He helps us
to know what is right, which will help us and what is wrong, which will harm
us.
ii) As the living Bread, Jesus gives us the strength to resist the many
worldly temptations which we encounter each day. He continues to give us the strength to
persevere in being his disciples.
iii) As the Way, Jesus guides us on the right path to reach our
destination of heaven. It is easy to
leave the right road in this complex world. Jesus is our guide and we must have faith in
him.
4. CONCLUSION
Just as the king sought the wise man’s help in curing his son, so did
Jairus seek the help of Jesus in curing his daughter. Jairus had great faith in Jesus who did cure
his daughter. When we have problems, go
to Jesus with faith and he will help us. He is the Light of the world, the Bread of
life, and the Way. Jesus reminds us, “Do
not fear, just have faith.”
