March 11, 2004	Read Mark 5:22-43
He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha cum,” which means “Little girl, get up!” And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about.  (She was 12 years of age.)  At this, they were overcome with amazement.
MIRACLES STILL HAPPEN Miracles seem to abound these days.  There are miracle drugs, miracle cures, miracle wrinkle creams, Miracle Whip, and there’s even a new hockey movie called “Miracle.”  Miracles are also quite prevalent in the Gospels as writers recount the journeys of Jesus throughout his ministry.  (I know this because, as an art undergrad, I had to write a paper once on the “Journeys of Jesus” for a religion course I was taking.  But, I digress.) Today’s scripture passage chronicles not only healing but also restoration of life, certainly a bona fide miracle by any standards.  It is somewhat surprising that this miracle occurred at all.  Notes in my Bible indicate that the girl’s father, Jairus, was the elected leader of the local synagogue.  Many synagogue leaders had close ties to the Pharisees, and it was therefore likely that Jairus had been told not to support Jesus.  The severity of his daughter’s illness led Jairus to seek help regardless of the consequences. While on the way to Jairus’ home, Jesus was interrupted by someone else who needed healing, and so he arrived too late.  The girl had died.  Jesus told the assembled mourners that she was not dead, only sleeping, and proceeded to restore her life.  This incident was only one of many in which Jesus showed great compassion while also teaching a lesson about maintaining hope and trust in him. Jesus never gives up on us, and we should return the favor.  Miracles still happen; we just need to be aware enough to recognize them. Heavenly Father, help us to walk about with new eyes to see the glories of our world as well as the needs of our world.  Help us to listen with new ears to the Good News of your saving grace. SUZANNE KOCH

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