Encounters of faith and healing in Mark 5:21-43 invite families to trust Jesus more deeply, bringing every joy, pain, and need to His compassionate presence.
Today's Gospel: Mark 5:21-43
In today’s Gospel, we witness two powerful encounters with Jesus. A desperate father pleads for his daughter’s life, and a woman, long-suffering and ostracized, reaches out to touch His cloak. Both are acts of faith rooted in hope.
Their need is so great they ignore the social and religious consequences of their actions. Jairus works in the synagogue. This encounter potentially creates division. Although Jesus often tells those receiving healing to keep it to themselves, news of miracles leak. The hemorrhaging woman violated social and religious laws regarding the touching of others while in an unclean state and faced harsh repercussions. Still, they believed.
We know the ache of helplessness when someone we love is suffering. Like Jairus, we would do anything to bring healing to our children. Like the woman, we sometimes carry hidden wounds, hoping for relief. Jesus responds to both with compassion:
“Do not be afraid; just have faith.”
This Gospel invites families to bring every joy, pain, and need, whether spoken or unspoken, to Christ. In His presence, no one is ever too broken or too late for healing.
Ponder:
Where in my family life is Jesus inviting me to trust Him more deeply?
Pray:
Dear Lord, give us the courage of Jairus and the faith of the woman so that our families may find healing and hope in You.
Pray Together:
Gather as a family and invite each person to name someone who needs Jesus’ healing touch (a friend, a family member, even themselves). Light a candle together and say a short prayer for them, entrusting them to Christ’s care.
Copyright 2026 Maria Morera Johnson
About the Author
.png?width=1806&height=731&name=CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c%20(002).png "CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c (002)"){kind=logo}
Comments