Daily Catholic Lectio
Tue, 3 February ‘26
Fourth Week in Ordinary Time, Tuesday
2 Sam 18:9–10, 14, 24–25, 30–19:3. Mk 5:21–43
Helplessness and Faith
The Word of God today brings before us a deep human experience: helplessness—and the call to faith that arises precisely from it.
In the Gospel, we witness two miracles: the healing of a woman suffering from a flow of blood and the raising of Jairus’ daughter. These two miracles are carefully woven together. From a literary point of view, the first miracle forms the context for the second. From a spiritual point of view, both reveal how faith is born, tested, weakened, and finally strengthened in moments of utter helplessness.
The first person is a nameless woman. For twelve long years she has suffered. She has lost her health, her dignity, and her money. Human medicine has failed her completely. When physicians become useless, she turns to the divine healer. Her faith is quiet, almost hidden: “If I only touch his cloak, I shall be made well.” She does not want attention; she wants healing. But Jesus does not allow her faith to remain private. He calls her out, not to shame her, but to honour her. Her helplessness becomes the space where her faith is made visible and proclaimed: “Daughter, your faith has saved you.”
The second person is Jairus, a synagogue leader—a man of status and authority. Yet before the sickness of his daughter, he too is helpless. He comes to Jesus with faith. But his faith is tested again and again. The crowd delays Jesus. The delay weakens his hope. Then he witnesses the healing of the woman, and his faith is strengthened. Immediately after, bad news arrives: “Your daughter is dead.” Faith seems pointless now. It is precisely at this moment that Jesus speaks words meant for every believer: “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” Jesus does not remove the crisis immediately; he strengthens the person within the crisis.
The first reading presents another image of helplessness: King David mourning the death of Absalom—his son who had become his enemy. Power, throne, and victory cannot save David from the pain of loss. His cry, “My son Absalom!” reveals a broken, helpless heart. Yet even here, Scripture reminds us that God remains present in human sorrow.
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on our own moments of helplessness—illness, loss, failure, delay, unanswered prayers. Faith does not mean the absence of pain. Faith means trusting God even when we cannot control the outcome.
Helplessness does not destroy faith; it can purify it. When we reach the limits of our strength, faith opens us to God’s saving power. Do not be afraid. Just have faith.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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