In Today's Scripture, 2 Sam 18: 9=10, 14b, 24-25a, 30-19:3, David learns that his son Absalom, who was out to kill him and take over his kingdom, is killed. David is crushed and cries out: My son Absalom! My son, Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, Absalom, mu son, my son!" The Incarnate Son of God does die in our places. And He weeps when any one of us does not accept the gift of life He has given us by taking on human flesh, all its weaknesses, except sin, and is put to death in our places that we will inherit eternal life. Nothing is more painful for God than the death of one unrepentant sinner.
This love of God is also revealed for us in the Gospel of today, Mark 5: 21-43. One of the synagogue officials, Jairus by name, approaches Jesus and begs him to go lay his healing hands upon his 12-year-old daughter who is dying. Jairus' friends inform him that his daughter has died and that he should stop bothering Jesus. Jesus says to him: Disregard your friends' report. "[J]ust have faith." His daughter is healed! Also, a woman suffering from an illness for 12 years touches Jesus' clothes, saying to herself: "If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured." As soon as she touched Jesus, her affliction left her. Jesus knew that someone in the crowd had touched him and asked who had done so. The woman comes forward and tells Jesus her whole story and Jesus says to her: "Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction."
Who am I in these Scripture stories of faith and love? Absalom filled with hatred toward a family member and out to kill this person? David, who grieves the loss of his son and does not condemn him for seeking to kill him? Jairus, a non-Jew who believes in Jesus and seeks His help to save his little girl? the woman who believe that in just touching Jesus' clothing she will be healed of an illness that plagued her for 12 years? Jesus, who responds to people in need, even persons not of His religious beliefs?
Am I, are you, a person of faith like Jairus and the woman seeking healing? Am I, are you, a person of forgiveness and love like David? And if I am like these persons and like Jesus, how does my faith translate into actions such as modeled in these Scriptures?
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