awake, friday

Friday, May 9

Come to Stillness: Take a few minutes to allow your mind and heart to be still before God.

Opening Prayer: Lord, awaken me, you whose love burns beyond the stars; light the flame of my lantern that I may always burn with love. (A Traveler Toward the Dawn by John Eagan)

Scripture Reading for the Day: Mark 5:21-43

Reading for Reflection:

     One had been bleeding for twelve years, the other was just twelve years old.  One had probably seen a good bit of her life come and go, the other, seemingly, had her whole life ahead of her.  One was from a prominent family, the other was just a face in the crowd.  One had a loving father that would go to any length to give his little girl every opportunity available to be healed, the other had most likely been abandoned by her family long ago because of her lengthy bout with an illness that rendered her ceremonially unclean—untouchable.

     But while there were significant differences between the two, there were also many similarities.  For both, life had taken a terribly wrong turn.  Both had grasped for healing and wholeness from every available avenue.  Both were now at the end of their rope—needy and desperate.  Both had some sense that Jesus was their final real hope.  And most importantly, though they had yet to realize it, both were dearly loved daughters of God.

     After meeting one in the midst of a crowded street, Jesus now turns in the direction of the other.  But it appears that, for this little one, he is too late.  Jesus enters the house, taking a small group of family and friends with him.  He goes into the room where the little girl is lying.  He bends over, gently taking her hand, and whispers tenderly in her ear, “Little girl, get up.”  Or literally, in Aramaic, “Little Lamb, Arise!”  His little lamb opens her eyes and gets up from her bed, as if simply waking from a peaceful night’s sleep.      

     Desperation turns to celebration, mourning to dancing.  The small band of onlookers is both amazed and overjoyed.  Jesus turns to Jairus and his wife and, with a soft smile on his lips, says, with a wink, “Now… why don’t you give her something to eat.” (Reflections by Jim Branch)

Reflection and Listening: silent and written

Prayer: for the church, for others, for myself

                                           
Closing Prayer: Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life: raise us, who trust in him, from the death of sin to the life of righteousness, that we may seek those things which are above, where he reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (A Collect for Eastertide, Oremus)