Scripture:
Hebrews 12:1-4
Mark 5:21-43
Reflection:
When ever the Gospels tell of Jesus crossing in the boat "to the other side" we know that we are about to experience something beyond our control. Such an experience is described in the Second Step of AA. "Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity." We know that insanity is "making the same mistake over and over with the same results." When Jesus arrived in the room of the apparently dead daughter of Jairus, he proceeded to put out of the room those who were weeping and wailing, as well, as those who were laughing at him. The "same results" would not happen here in Jesus’ presence. His facing into the appearence of certain death or hopelessness is met with a breakthrough of life and hope. When I put my fears, resentments, and disappointments into God’s hands, I experience the "other side" of faith. This experience of putting one’s life (or death to self) into the hands of God brings about a transformation that is not necessarily felt. Such experiences of letting go strengthen us to continue to "run with perseverance the race that is set before us," that is the human race of compasion and mercy and justice.
Fr. Alex Steinmiller, C.P. is president of Holy Family Cristo Rey High School, Birmingham, Alabama.