“Talitha koum!”
Read Mark Gospel 5: 21-43
It is with sad feelings I write today’s newsletter post. Last night on returning from a prayer meeting at 7:30pm, I read a message from a priest friend of mine, asking me to go and pray and give communion to his friend this morning, who is at hospital. I replied that I had to preside at midday service today and would go directly from service. He thanked me. This morning, I awoke with his message that she died at 6:25am.
It was with a heavy heart, that I then read today’s Gospel, in preparation for service, in which I read those immortal words - ‘Talitha koum’ - transcription from Aramaic (the language spoken by Jesus) which means - ‘Little girl, I tell you, get up’. Why didn’t I go at once last night? Why didn’t I go very early this morning? So often we procrastinate, delay, take our time. Persons lives may depend on our action.
I also note the tone of Jesus words - it was akin to a directive, an instruction, an order - it was not a request. It caused me to think of so many children, daughters, sons, granddaughters, students, persons under our care, who are also depending on us to provide direction, instruction and supervision to their lives. Talitha koum!
Today we live in a very confused world where we are told to leave the children alone - painting all instruction as an abuse of rights. Yes, there is abuse and it must not be tolerated in any way, but to swing to the other extreme is as bad. Children need loving direction and instruction from parents, teachers and care givers.
Today’s Gospel narrative focuses on healing, both for the woman with the chronic haemorrhage and for the little girl. As Christians, we follow Jesus Christ in his role as a healer. We are called to heal each other and the world. We do this through prayer and care giving. We have a duty to be healers to each other. We listen, pray, speak, nurture, direct, instruct, care for each other. We also ask others to heal us.
Prayer and care giving are our tools as Christians. We wield it with love and responsibility. Healing is our work. We do it with diligence.
