The Girl is Not Dead But Sleeping

“The Girl is Not Dead But Sleeping”
A reflection on Matthew 9:23-25
Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
©️2021 by Gloria M. Chang

While he was saying these things to them, an official came forward, knelt down before him, and said, “My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples. When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion, he said, “Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they ridiculed him. When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose. And news of this spread throughout all that land.

Matthew 9:18-19, 23-26

2 Replies to “The Girl is Not Dead But Sleeping”

  1. Thank you for bringing the snail tale of the little girl’s rising. I have shared your photo with a few friends.
    Here’s a wisdom bit for you:
    A Japanese poet wrote once:
    O snail
    Climb Mount Fuji,
    But slowly, slowly!
    – Kobayashi Issa

    1. Love it! The haiku is charming and delightful! Thanks for sharing!

      蝸牛
      そろそろ登れ
      富士の山
      katatsuburi
      sorosoro nobore
      fuji no yama

      Snail!
      Little by little climb up–
      Mount Fuji!

      Translated by William Nelson and Takafumi Saito

      Alternatively:

      Snail!
      Slowly, slowly climb up–
      Mount Fuji!

      (sorosoro means “gradually; steadily; slowly; soon”)

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