6th Sunday after Pentecost
Lamentations 3:22-33; Psalm 30; 2 Corinthians 8:7-15; Mark 5:21-43
The sixth Sunday after Pentecost brings another leg of Jesus and the disciples’ adventures across the Sea of Galilee. Generally, “the other side” refers to the northeast or east side of the lake, which was mostly gentile territory at that time. Nonetheless, it is believed some Jewish communities would still exist there. That area would have belonged to Manasseh, one of the original 12 tribes of Israel. Interestingly, 12 is also the number of years that the lady with hemorrhages had been sick (v.25), and the age of the daughter of Jairus, the leader of the local synagogue, who Jesus brings back from quasi-death (v.42). The distress of both situations is evident. Jairus falls to his feet and begs Jesus to tend to his daughter. The lady had been stripped of all she had, seeking healing to no avail. Yet, Jesus’ declaration transcends time and place to speak to anyone facing hopelessness and despair, “Do not fear, only believe (v. 36).”
In chapter 3, the author of Lamentations—similarly to Job—is at the point of hopelessness and despair and speaks angrily to God from a deep sense of abandonment and feeling wronged: “he has driven and brought me into darkness without any light; against me alone, he turns his hand, again and again, all day long (3:2-3).” This voice is one of grief and trauma. Nonetheless, the voice of trust in God’s righteousness and steadfast love eventually manifests: “ But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (vs. 21-23).”
To the church in Corinth, Paul is preparing his plea for them to consider the poor in Jerusalem living under duress (2 Cor. 9). Those would have been the same poor Jesus tended to during his ministry before the cross, resurrection, and ascension. It is a big part of the ministry of reconciliation that Paul proclaims early in the letter (2 Cor. 5:14-21), and that is now entrusted to us, Jesus’ disciples. The same abundant grace and generosity that Jesus demonstrated to all is expected from those who continue his earthly ministry (2 Cor. 8:9) so that the dignity of God’s beloved can be restored (13-15).
The psalmist sings:
“Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me!
O Lord, be my helper!”
You have turned my mourning into dancing;
you have taken off my sackcloth
and clothed me with joy,
so that my soul may praise you and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.”
(Psalm 30: 10-12; NRSVue)
Bridging Faith 