In today's readings, we see two stories about life and death in a family. In the first reading from 2 Samuel, David's son Absalom is killed. Absalom had been hunting his father, trying to kill him and wrest the kingship from him. David's men thought David would be thrilled with the news. It was just the opposite. David wept and grieved bitterly. It was, after all, his son.
In the Gospel reading from Mark 5, we read about Jesus raising Jairus' daughter from the dead. Jairus, a synagogue official, asks Jesus to come and heal his daughter, who was deathly ill. When they get to the house, the girl is already dead. But Jesus takes her by the hand and brings her back. What an amazing gift for Jairus and his wife.
Death is a part of life. But it seems unnatural for a parent to bury one of their children. David did not have the same fate as Jairus. But both had to come to grips with the fact that God was in control. My mom has buried three of her six children. She presses on, having faith in God's plan. We all experience life and death in a family. Let's remember that God has a plan for every life - before, during and after.
Father, thank you for the gift of life. May we celebrate it every day and praise you in life and in death. Amen.
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