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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Gus,
I am sorry to read that your mom has buried three of her children. That is unimaginable pain. I feel bad for you also as that means you’ve lost three of your siblings. I can’t fathom that either. Peace to you. I also want to let you know how much I enjoy your 60 Second Reflections and your show. I do my best to Seize the Day each and every day, but I am definitely a work in progress. I appreciate you and pray for you and your family. – Jackie B (Indianapolis)
Our daughter’s first child was born with a genetic disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy. He lived for 5 months and died on June 4, 2009. At the time, there was no hope and no cure. My daughter has been active in CureSma since he was born and has continued to this day as the President of the Greater Florida of CureSma. Through money raised by many chapters all over the world, there is a drug that can be given as soon as SMA is diagnosed. The sooner, the better and many children like our ANDY are living longer with hope for a good life. That was 11 years ago and our family has been blessed by 2 more children who are carriers of this gene, but do not have the disease. God gave us ANDY for a reason and we will continue raising money until this disease is completely curable for all babies!