Reflections – Archdiocese of San Francisco

Reflection on Theme

OFFICE OF FAITH FORMATION CONFERENCE 2023

“Talitha Koum” (Little girl, Arise!)

Reflection on Theme and Prayer Reflections

By Sr. Nodelyn Abayan, SSS

These words of Jesus from the Gospel of Mark Chapter 5 Verse 41, are not just words of comfort and healing but speaks of challenge and encouragement. Throughout this entire account, we see Jesus encouraging Jairus. Jesus’ WILLINGNESS must have been encouraging to Jairus, for “Jesus went with him” (Mark 5:24). Jesus’ accompaniment was what the Directory for Catechesis challenges us to do today. It is listening attentively, walking along side, and doing what Jesus is calling us to do.

Jesus’ WORDS must have been encouraging, for even after the servant reported that the daughter had died, Jesus said, “Be not afraid, only believe” (Mark 5:36). And Jesus’ WISDOM must have been encouraging to Jairus as he heard Jesus say, “the little girl is not dead, but asleep” (Mark 5:39). As St. Benedict says in his Rule “Listen with the ear of your heart”.

These same things can encourage us when we are affected by difficulties and doubt and grief. We have been discouraged the past 3 years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But now Jesus is asking each one of us as catechists, parish catechetical leaders, volunteers, and Catholic people in the Archdiocese of San Francisco to Rise Up! Be the LIFE! As Jesus is the life for this girl. Our faith is central to who we are. We are the disciples carrying out Jesus’ work on earth today. It may be in our faith formation programs, our work, our homes, or the homeless we see on our streets.

Jesus is the center of our lives as well in the Eucharist that we receive. As we celebrate the “Eucharistic Revival” may we be the bread for others as Jesus is the bread for the world. Take heart from this story that after the little girl is raised from the dead Jesus says to bring her something to eat. The Eucharist truly is the nourishment for our lives.

Take time to reflect on this theme with the following questions. You may want to do as an individual or in a group together.

In this gospel passage, there was vitality where there had been death. Does your spiritual experience reveal signs of life? Take time to thank Jesus for the signs of life. You may even want to journal about the experiences you have.

Is there spiritual movement and evidence that you have passed from death unto life? Is there a song, picture, or piece of poetry that holds you in times of death and times of life? Take time to savory the song, picture, or poetry.

What might Jesus be asking of you as you have reflected on this passage?

IMAGE BY REBEKKA VIEIRA