Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Power Went Out From Him
Liturgical Cycle: A | Lectionary Cycle: I
Introduction
Absalom is defeated and killed. The victory of the king’s army turns into a party of mourning, for, notwithstanding Absalom’s rebellion, David still loved him very much.
Jesus uses his power to do good and to give an objective lesson on faith to his disciples and to the people. It is a power that gives health and life. When the woman touches Jesus with a sort of magic belief in his power, he insists on faith; so he does when, as a sign of his own resurrection, he brings Jairus’ daughter back to life. Should power in us not mean also a power that lifts up, a power of the resurrection?
Opening Prayer
Almighty Father,
often we hunger for power
when we don’t have it,
we ask for more when we possess it,
and then we don’t know how to use it well.
Help us always to accept the power
of our influence, our potentials and talents
as gifts coming from your hands
and to use them for the good of others,
to heal and to forgive,
to bring life and to build up,
as Jesus did, your Son,
who lives with you for ever.
First Reading
2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14b, 24-25a, 30–19:3
Absalom unexpectedly came up against David's servants.
He was mounted on a mule,
and, as the mule passed under the branches of a large terebinth,
his hair caught fast in the tree.
He hung between heaven and earth
while the mule he had been riding ran off.
Someone saw this and reported to Joab
that he had seen Absalom hanging from a terebinth.
And taking three pikes in hand,
he thrust for the heart of Absalom,
still hanging from the tree alive.
Now David was sitting between the two gates,
and a lookout went up to the roof of the gate above the city wall,
where he looked about and saw a man running all alone.
The lookout shouted to inform the king, who said,
"If he is alone, he has good news to report."
The king said, "Step aside and remain in attendance here."
So he stepped aside and remained there.
When the Cushite messenger came in, he said,
"Let my lord the king receive the good news
that this day the LORD has taken your part,
freeing you from the grasp of all who rebelled against you."
But the king asked the Cushite, "Is young Absalom safe?"
The Cushite replied, "May the enemies of my lord the king
and all who rebel against you with evil intent
be as that young man!"
The king was shaken,
and went up to the room over the city gate to weep.
He said as he wept,
"My son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom!
If only I had died instead of you,
Absalom, my son, my son!"
Joab was told that the king was weeping and mourning for Absalom;
and that day's victory was turned into mourning for the whole army
when they heard that the king was grieving for his son.
Responsorial Psalm
R. (1a) Listen, Lord, and answer me.
Incline your ear, O LORD; answer me,
for I am afflicted and poor.
Keep my life, for I am devoted to you;
save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God.
R. Listen, Lord, and answer me.
Have mercy on me, O Lord,
for to you I call all the day.
Gladden the soul of your servant,
for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
R. Listen, Lord, and answer me.
For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
abounding in kindness to all who call upon you.
Hearken, O LORD, to my prayer
and attend to the sound of my pleading.
R. Listen, Lord, and answer me.
Alleluia Verse
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Christ took away our infirmities
and bore our diseases.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Prayers of the Faithful
– That the Church may continue with compassion Jesus’ healing ministry, that the sick may be comforted, the downtrodden set free, and the poor and the weak protected, we pray:
– That in this world of hunger for food and spiritual values, affluent Churches and nations may share generously with those who have less, we pray:
– That doctors and nurses and all others who care for the ill and the handicapped may have a great respect for life and be inspired in their task by the love of Christ, we pray:
Prayer over the Gifts
Lord God, almighty Father
fill the gifts we bring before you
with the power of your Holy Spirit,
that they may become for us
the bread of resurrection and life
of Jesus Christ, your Son.
Through this Eucharist,
change us into people of hope and joy
who go together the way of life
of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Prayer after Communion
Lord God, almighty Father,
you have given us the body and blood of your Son
as a source of life-giving power.
Do not allow us to leave it idle,
but help us to use it as a force
to uplift the people around us
and to build together a world
of reconciliation, justice and love.
May, thus, the resurrection of Jesus
work among us already now,
until you raise us up on the last day
through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Blessing
“Power had gone out from him,” says the Gospel today of Jesus. It was a power that healed and brought back to life. If we have power, may we use it always to raise people up, never to put them down. And may Almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
REFLECTION:
Mark 5:21-43
Faith that heals for a new life in Christ
The Gospel calls us to a life of healing and renewal through faith and love. The stories of Jairus and the woman afflicted with haemorrhages teach us three lessons about love, perseverance, and trust in God.
Jairus, a high-ranking official, sets aside his busy life to seek healing for his daughter. His example reminds us that love demands sacrifice. Whether it’s for your spouse, children, or even your relationship with God, love requires time, space, and selflessness. Are you making room in your life for those you love, or has busyness crowded them out? Love flourishes when we empty ourselves for others, allowing God’s grace to sustain our relationships.
The woman afflicted with haemorrhages demonstrates the power of faith in the face of failure. After years of suffering, she turns to Jesus, believing that even touching His garment could heal her. She teaches us that our past struggles can shape us, helping us to understand others’ pain and guide them to Christ. God transforms even our moments of despair into opportunities to experience His mercy and share it with others.
Finally, Jesus’ command to the young girl, “Arise,” reminds us that no situation is beyond hope. Critics and doubters may say otherwise, but with faith, God can resurrect what seems lost. He can restore relationships, renew your spirit, and bring life to what feels dead. Trust in Him, and hold on to the truth that nothing is impossible for God.
As pilgrims of hope, let us walk with faith, believing that God can heal our wounds, revive our love, and lead us into new life. With Christ, all things are possible. Trust in His promises, and arise to live fully in His grace.
Faith that heals for a new life in Christ - Youtube
Mark 5:21-43
Touch and be saved!
Today's Gospel tells of two women.
As Jesus continues his assault on death, he admonishes the people for their pretentious groaning and mourning. He is totally dissatisfied with the culture of death, which stems from the belief that death is the ultimate end. And this is why he says, “The child is not dead but asleep.”
The first woman has had blood loss for 12 years. According to the law, blood flow makes a person impure; she cannot generate life. The second woman – the 12-year-old daughter of Jairus - is of marriageable age. But in her, life is interrupted; she is dead. The number twelve in these two instances is not a coincidence. It refers to the 12 tribes – the whole of Israel.
These women represent Israel. Israel, although the bride of the Lord, abandoned her husband and became impure. Israel is like the dead little girl, cannot generate life. This woman believes in Jesus, and says, ‘If I succeed, even to touch his mantle, I will be saved.” Her act of touching Jesus is likened to Israel falling into the hands of her husband – she is made pure and is given a new life.
In the Eucharist, we have the opportunity to touch him. In the lives of all the people around us, we have the chance to touch the image of God. To be saved, all we need to do is touch Him in the sacraments, in the Word of God and in the lives of people around us.