The gospel reading for today has Mark giving us a story of healing wrapped in a raising from the dead (Mk 5:21-43).  First, Jairus, a synagogue official, pleads with Jesus to come to his house to heal his dying daughter.  Jesus goes off with him, but on the way He is accompanied by a large and close crowd.  In the midst of this crowd a woman, ill for twelve years, is able to reach Jesus and touch His garment as she trusts this act will effect her healing.  She is in fact healed and Jesus realizes that the healing happens.  He seeks her out, she confesses her whole story, and He leaves her with the words at top.  Finally, Jesus reaches Jairus’s house, is told the girl has died, puts everyone out anyway, and, to the astonishment of all, brings her back to life.  Jesus orders that no one be told about this.  Faith is a key theme in this passage.  Not only the line above but also Jesus words to Jairus upon learning his daughter had died: “Do not be afraid; just have faith” (v. 36).  These must be words we interiorize to the core of our being.  The hope for salvation must begin with faith.  Eliminating fear happens with a deep and abiding faith.  Healing in body, and more importantly, healing in soul, rely on faith.  The sacraments of healing, Confession and Anointing of the Sick, should come to mind immediately for Catholics.  Entering into the confessional or receiving the anointing with a humble and contrite heart, desiring the deep and thorough healing that only God can give, trusting that no sin is greater than God’s mercy, results in a person coming away from these sacraments with a peace that cannot be found anywhere but within the divine heart.  Sacraments have the power to effect physical healing, and we certainly can ask for such help, but if it does not happen, know that the eternally important part has been taken care of.  Let us partake of the sacrament of Confession often preparing well through prayer, regular examination of conscience, and frequent recourse to Mass and Holy Communion.  We, too, want to hear the words, at top, said to us by Jesus through His ministers who act in His person.