Christ encouraged the faith of the ruler of the synagogue who was impatient because his daughter was about to die. He was in a hurry to take Christ to his house, but Jesus stopped in the midst of the way to heal a poor woman, leaving the prominent person on pins and needles that he, the ruler, might learn humility and meekness. Jesus’ delay proved to that expert in the Mosaic Law that Jesus was the true Christ who would not quench smoking flax, who does not prefer those of high dignitaries to others, but works in harmony with the faith of those who seek him, no matter how small or big they may be.
The same moment at which Jesus healed the sick woman, the ruler’s daughter died. And then some messengers came hastily from Jairus’ house and said resentfully to the ruler in a sad voice: “Leave this teacher who does not come in due time. Your daughter is dead.”
However, Jesus saw the glimpse of hope in the elder’s heart, and he inflamed it. He ordered him to overcome his despair, and believe in the Christ of God who was beside him. Thus, he educated him in his school of faith, and strengthened his hopeful courage in his word, for the word of God is the solid foundation of our faith. The ruler of the synagogue came trustfully with Jesus, and agreed to put out all those who cried loudly and wailed, for Christ’s victories take place silently in hearing his word which speaks in calmness more evidently than thousands of wailers, criers, and trumpeters.
All those who were crying and wailing laughed at Jesus when he said that the girl was not dead but was only sleeping, for if she were really sleeping she would wake up because of their noise.
Jesus Christ knew the mysteries of death and he ridiculed it. He came, snatched its prey from its jaws, and called it only sleeping, for all men are not evaporated in death to nothing, but they remain reserved for the last judgment. They will rise either to heaven, or to hell. Where will you rise O man? Are you prepared for the last judgment?
When the noisy wailers who ridiculed Jesus had gone out of the room, Jesus, who is life itself, took the dead girl by the hand. Then the flow of his life went out from him, and rushed through her cold parts, and the power of his supernatural word filled the dead with life that she got up at once looking at the people around her with wonder.
Jesus freed the frightened crowd from their astonishment, and he ordered them to give the young girl something to eat. Jesus did not deny the natural needs in our bodies, for he lived as a real man among us.
O man, Jesus is standing before you. If you are dead in sins he will take you by the hand and say to you: “Get up” calling you by name. Be aware that your God is standing before you, and offering you everlasting life. Listen to his voice, and believe his words that you may live in the current of his love. Get up and honor your Savior by following him continuously.