January 30, Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Daily readings: 2 Samuel 18:9–10; 14b. 24–25a. 30; 19: 3, Mark 5:21–43
The first reading presents the conclusion of Absalom’s revolt against David, his father. While riding on his mule, Absalom’s long hair is caught in the branch of the tree and is seen hanging between heaven and earth. Joab finishes him off by piercing his heart with a spear. His death is good news to King David, but the saddest one to Dad David. We get to see an unforgettable picture of a broken-hearted father. David’s concern for his revolting son is evident in his advice to his troops: “deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom” (v. 5). Absalom’s death tells us of the sad end of a promising man who showed much potential but was used in the wrong direction.
The Gospel of today testifies to Jesus’ commitment to minister to human needs. Jairus falls at the feet of Jesus, requesting that he save his dying daughter, who is dying. As Jesus moves towards his house, we have the woman suffering from hemorrhages jumping into the scene. She has seen numerous physicians and exhausted all her resources without making any progress. She has remained ritually unclean all these years. Mark presents her as a disciple with extraordinary dispositions. She hears about Jesus. She has the courage to come closer to him. She believes that touching the edge of the garment will be sufficient to heal it. As a result, she resolves twelve years of shame and frustration. She is a determined person.
In comparison to this woman, some people from Jairus’ family seem to have lost their confidence in Jesus the moment his daughter died. Jesus’ words to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid, only believe” (v. 36), throw a great challenge before him. References to the girl’s walking and eating attest to her total restoration. Both Jairus and the woman are victims of desperate circumstances. They have no other hope apart from Jesus. Jairus has a name and a big position as the ruler of a synagogue, but the woman has none of these. That she is a ritually unclean woman made her approach Jesus from behind. It is she who receives the healing and liberating words, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease” (v. 34).
Holy Mother Church honours St. Martina, a virgin and martyr who preferred to give up her life for Christ rather than deny him.
Call to Action for Catholic Living: In spite of one’s status, name and fame, it is faith in Jesus that defines a person. How do I define my life?
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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