Reflections on....the Fifth Sunday after Trinity
Readings
Wisdom of Solomon 1.13-15; 2.23-24
2 Corinthians 8.7-15
Mark 5.21-43
A theme in the readings
The claims of 'the dismissive'/pessimist that ‘nothing can be done’ are challenged by these readings. The first reading speaks strongly of the ‘regenerative forces’ God has installed in the creation. To question/deny their existence is to side with what leads to destruction and death. In the second reading Paul was on the way to achieving what, in his day, many would have been incredulous about - the breaking down of the deep divide between Jew and non-Jew. He is making a financial collection among non-Jewish Christians in Greece and elsewhere to assist Jewish Christians in Jerusalem - the earliest and core members of the Christian movement.
The strong presence of ‘the dismissive’ in the Gospel reading is only too evident. Healers could do nothing for the continuous haemorrhaging of a woman. The disciples were dismissive of the possibility of Jesus knowing who had touched him. Those surrounding Jairus were dismissive that anything could be done for his daughter. They even laughed when Jesus suggested otherwise. Yet, something of the kingdom of God, something that is life giving and defies what is death making, broke into the lives of two very desperate people. ‘There is a wideness in God’s mercy…’ – from the hymn.
- Fr. Malcolm Bradshaw
Readings
Wisdom of Solomon 1.13-15; 2.23-24
2 Corinthians 8.7-15
Mark 5.21-43
A theme in the readings
The claims of 'the dismissive'/pessimist that ‘nothing can be done’ are challenged by these readings. The first reading speaks strongly of the ‘regenerative forces’ God has installed in the creation. To question/deny their existence is to side with what leads to destruction and death. In the second reading Paul was on the way to achieving what, in his day, many would have been incredulous about - the breaking down of the deep divide between Jew and non-Jew. He is making a financial collection among non-Jewish Christians in Greece and elsewhere to assist Jewish Christians in Jerusalem - the earliest and core members of the Christian movement.
The strong presence of ‘the dismissive’ in the Gospel reading is only too evident. Healers could do nothing for the continuous haemorrhaging of a woman. The disciples were dismissive of the possibility of Jesus knowing who had touched him. Those surrounding Jairus were dismissive that anything could be done for his daughter. They even laughed when Jesus suggested otherwise. Yet, something of the kingdom of God, something that is life giving and defies what is death making, broke into the lives of two very desperate people. ‘There is a wideness in God’s mercy…’ – from the hymn.
- Fr. Malcolm Bradshaw
