Hebrews 12:1-4 / Mark 5:21-43
When we talk about taking a risk, the implications is the possibility of losing something. But at the same time, there is also a possibility of gaining something.
For example, taking a "calculated" risk of going for the Archbishop Coadjutor's ordination at the S'pore Expo on the 22nd February without a ticket - either we are not granted entry and waste our time and energy, or that there might be a slim chance that we might just be let in for the celebrations.
So in taking a risk, whether calculated or not, there is at best, a 50-50 chance of gaining or losing.
In the gospel, we heard of two persons who took a risk - Jairus and the woman with a haemorrhage. And the stakes are high.
One risked his reputations as a synagogue official who fell at the feet of a carpenter's son and asking Him to heal his daughter.
The other risked public outcry and being chased off should her haemorrhage be made public.
But it was in the desperate life situations of these two persons that the Good News of salvation and healing and restoration is proclaimed.
But the other aspect of the Good News is that Jesus also took a "risk" to save us.
As the 1st reading puts it, for the sake of the joy which was still in the future, He endured the cross, disregarding the shamefulness of it.
So Jesus had already won life and salvation for us. We need to complete His victory by not losing sight of Jesus and keep running steadily in the race for life and in the fight against sin.