A couple of years ago media reported that a Belgian student Laurent Simmons received a degree in quantum physics from the University at Antwerp at the age of 11. In an interview published in a Dutch newspaper this young genius shared his big dream worthy of science fiction: “Immortality, that is my goal. Not for myself but for other people.”, he said. The longing for immorality, the longing for an immunity from sickness and suffering has been accompanying us since the outset of humanity. In the gospel for this Sunday, Mark presents Jesus as the divine physician who brings healing to our infirmities and suffering, as the one who brings answer to the scandal of death.

Who of us would not sympathize with the hemorrhaging woman who suffered tremendously for twelve years, or Jairus, the father of a twelve-year-old girl who is terminally ill. All of us in this or the other way have been exposed to the reality of illness, suffering and death in our lives. All of us know the pain and anguish that come with death of someone whom we loved. In a similar way Jesus is not indifferent to the pains of those who come to him with faith asking for help.

We can imagine the determination of the two protagonists of the story. First that of Jairus who is impatiently pressing on Jesus to arrive as soon as possible in his house in order to heal and save his daughter. And then we can image his interior agony at hearing that his child is dead. “Do not be afraid. Just have faith.” Jesus responds to his interior drama as they walk towards his house. And the determination of the hemorrhaging woman who looking desperately for twelve years for help among many doctors, now risks everything in order to touch Jesus’ clothes with a hope for healing. The flow of blood rendered her permanently impure excluding her from the religious and social life of her people under the penalty of death that added spiritual suffering to her physical pain. 

Mark gives these two individuals to us as the example of faith and humility. They recognize that only Jesus is the one who can help them. Their attitude stands in the sharp contrast with that of the accompanying crowds. They know nothing of who Jesus is, therefore, they respond to death with hopeless weeping and wailing.

With all our scientific progress, technology and medicine we still need to recognize that death is an unsolved mystery. Even the young Belgian genius will not be able to give a definitive answer to it. This story reminds us that ultimately only Jesus has the answer to death. Only he has the power to heal those who are sick and to bring life to those who are dead. He comes to touch our body and soul with his supernatural power in the sacraments of the Church. But he can help us only in the measure of faith we place in him.