Introductory Prayer: Lord, you come close to us in life's difficult challenges to support us with supernatural gifts of faith and hope. Grant that I will accept life's hardships knowing that your presence and providence in time of trial are never lacking.

Petition: Lord, increase my faith.

Gospel: Mark 5:21-24

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, "My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live." So he went with him. And a large crowd pressed in on him.

1. The Leader of the Synagogue Looked for Jesus.

We take heart at seeing prominent men and women like those holding public office, searching for guidance and inspirations in their faith. People of character believe in something greater than themselves and they do not see their practice of faith as a sign of weakness. In today's Gospel, Jairus, a religious leader in his community, set aside his vanity and pride to seek out the Lord. He found a friend and a sure hope in Jesus Christ. Perhaps Jairus did not win the admiration of particular peers when he sought out Christ. Yet, he looked beyond himself for a remedy to a desperate family situation, and he found in Christ a sure friend who willingly made himself available.

2. The Plea of Jairus.

Jairus' daughter falls gravely sick at a time when Christ is making his journey through his town. These two events are not coincidental. Christ's physical presence provides the occasion for Jairus to put his faith in the public eye. As a well known religious leader of the community whose name has been recorded in the pages of the Gospel, Jairus leadership is shown in his need to search out Christ. If a man is to lead others well, he himself also must have had to learn how to be led. Jairus need becomes the Lord's occasion to evangelize the peoples of Israel.

3. The Lord Accompanied Him.

There are always two ways we can view any situation, the naturalistic and supernatural. Using the naturalistic view, the story of Jairus is merely the product of circumstance, fortune and timing. With supernatural view, our Lord was at work in the heart of Jairus preparing him and his townsmen to search for Christ, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. It is with this supernatural perspective that we too are to evaluate the events of our lives and God's larger plan of our salvation.

Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, like Jairus, I ask you to come into the home of my heart. If at times I do not see the world supernaturally, it is only because I do not recognize you as you approach me in so many little ways on life's journey. Help me to see you in the midst of my day.

Questionnaire:  This optional questionnaire is intended to help you evaluate your life in light of the inspirations God just gave you in these moments you spent with him in prayer.

1. What concerns or problems do I have that I have not asked Christ for help with? Why have I not brought them to him?

2. Considering a particular situation that I am dealing with, how does a supernatural view and a naturalistic view of it differ? When discerning God's will for my life, do I cultivate a supernatural spirit?

3. Am I prompt to consult those who can help me in my faith or do I think I can merely brave things on my own to the detriment of not seeing perhaps what God really calls me to?