As I come to the end of my time in Windsor, I would like to thank everyone for all of the cards, gifts, and well wishes that I have received over the past few weeks. My time in Windsor has been blessed because of the people in our Family of Parishes. While it is difficult to say goodbye, I will always treasure the memories of my time in Windsor, and I look forward to returning to visit as I am able. I as for your prayers as I begin my ministry in Houston, Texas. Know that you will be in my prayers as well.
Our Gospel this weekend gives us an account of Jesus performing two healings, one of which happens as an “interruption” on the journey to the house of Jairus, the synagogue official. I have always found it interesting that Mark chooses to present these two healings by sandwiching the account of the woman with a hemorrhage in the middle of the account about the daughter of Jairus. And yet, presenting the accounts in this way leaves us with much to ponder!
So often, when I read this passage, my focus is on the woman, and on Jesus’ care for her in her need. As I contemplate this passage today, though, I am left to wonder: What was Jairus thinking through all of this? How did he react when he saw Jesus pause to look for the woman who had been healed? Was he jealous of the fact that Jesus was helping her, even though he had asked for help first? Was there a certain desperation in his words and actions because of this delay? Did his thoughts turn to anger towards the woman, or even towards Jesus, when he received the news that his daughter had died? Scripture does not record his response, but perhaps the way that he responded to the interruption is what prompted Jesus to say to Jairus “Do not fear, only believe.”
This leaves us with an interesting question: How do we respond when we can see God working in the lives of others, but we don’t seem to feel his presence in our lives? Do we become jealous, because God is helping others first? Or do we accept the invitation to believe that God is with us, that God hears our prayers, and that He will answer them according to his time and according to his plan?
The invitation that God gives to us is always to trust in Him, and to place our faith in Him alone. As we all experience this time of transition, may God help us to renew our trust in Him, as we continue to seek his will for our lives. May God’s blessings be with you, now and always!
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Steven Huber, CSB