June 30, 2024

13^th Sunday in Ordinary Time 

Anxiety’s Antidote

Msgr. Thomas Gervasio

 
Sometimes it takes a real crisis to bring us to Jesus. 
 
This is certainly what happened to Jairus, who came to Our Lord in his desperation. It must have left a great impression on the crowd to see a respected leader of the community throw himself at the feet of Jesus and earnestly plead for the healing of his daughter who was “at the point of death.” He experienced all the emotions any loving parent would have in such a situation. The need to do something, anything to help his daughter moved him to leave his daughter’s bedside to seek out Jesus. 
 
He may have been aware of the Jewish leaders’ vilification of Jesus and may have even been warned that it was better to avoid him. But Jairus throws caution to the wind and seeks out the Lord. 
 
Our Lord responds immediately and accompanies him to his home. It had to feel like the longest journey he ever made. They had to make their way through the crowd…not an easy task when Jesus is at your side. Jairus, so very anxious, must have thought again and again, “We’ll never get there in time!” Compounding his worry was the interruption by the woman with the hemorrhages. Jairus might have been a very compassionate man, but today his sole focus was his daughter!
 
It is said, “Where there is life, there is hope,” but then comes the news that crushes Jairus’ hope: “Your daughter has died. Why bother the teacher any longer?” Jesus ignores the message and continues on, reassuring Jairus, “Do not be afraid. Just have faith.” 
 
When they arrive at the house, preparations for the funeral were already underway and he reprimands the mourners. They are mistaken! Jesus takes the child’s hand and bids her rise. Into a scene of death, the Lord brings life. Where the darkness of grief prevailed, the Lord brings light. Where sorrow reigned, the Lord brought joy.
 
Today Our Lord reassures us as well: “Do not be afraid. Just have faith.” That is not easy when we are anxious, when we are beset by problems that seem overwhelming. At times, life can be harsh—broken relationships, financial stress, poor health, the death of a loved one—and we wonder why God delays, why God doesn’t come to our rescue. Perhaps this reflection can be helpful to our prayer today: