Today’s Gospel reading continues our journey through Mark’s Gospel and brings us to chapter 5, a chapter concerned with healings. Healing is a central theme in Mark’s account of the ministry of Jesus. Accounts of healing begin in chapters one and two with a man with an unclean spirit, Peter’s mother-in-law, a leper, and a paralysed man. Now two healings are presented within one narrative. The woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages was healed by touching Jesus’ cloak. Then the most fundamental of healings takes place as Jesus takes Jairus’ daughter by her hand and she is restored to life.
For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited reflection on the image of ambulance. Today’s picture is taken from Teddy Horsley’s book, The Broken Leg, when he had to be taken to hospital by ambulance.
Lord Jesus Christ,
you brought health to the sick
and hope to the suffering.
Bless those who bring healing
in our world,
that they may work to praise your name;
now and always.
Amen. Next Sunday our journey through Mark’s Gospel takes us into chapter 6 when Jesus sends his disciples out on their first missionary journey. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff. The image to help us prepare for next Sunday’s theme is travelling light. You can find out more about that theme by looking at the Educational Resources and the Preparation Resources
Prayer Requests
Would you like to submit a prayer request? You can do so through the prayer for Liverpool website.
Notice Sheet
Would you like to sign up to receive the Cathedral’s weekly notice sheet? You can do so here.
Exploring the Sunday Gospel – Fourth Sunday after Trinity