Talitha Koum

The Gospel this weekend speaks of death. the first Reading talks about how death was not an intended part of life, and how it was the Sin of Man that brought death into the world. The Gospel tells the story of Jesus raising from the dead a young girl whose family begged the Lord to bring her back, taken from them so early in her life.

Yesterday the Music world suffered the loss of Michael Jackson. This passing did not touch me at first. Seeing that I was born in 1981, the Jackson 5 was not a huge part of my initial musical upbringing. It wasn't until today when I was talking with a friend and watching the specials on the news when I discovered just all the work that Jackson did for the African American Community. His videos would not at first be aired on MTV because they were a "rock station" and rock was the "white man's music". This statement was made in the 80's...well past the time when so many people had given their lives for the cause of equality. Well past the days of segregated water fountains, segregated schools, and the phrase of "sitting in the back of the bus".

Michael Jackson, despite his bizarre ways, and unique fashion senses, made strides in the equality movement for the African American Community. In the Gospel Jesus says to the little girl who he raises from the dead, "Talitha koum," which means "Little girl, I say to you, arise!". Lets pray that Jesus says the same to Michael Jackson, as he stand before the Lord in his final judgment.

The news today said that he left this world 500 Million dollars in debt, or some ridiculous number like that. How on Earth is there hope for us? If someone like Michael Jackson dies in such debt, how can us, the average Joe hope for any better? Perhaps there is a lesson in all this. Perhaps the words of Jesus apply to all of us, as we face our everyday trials and tribulations..."Talitha Koum." He calls to us to arise. To stand up, despite our struggles, because we only get one shot at this, and we are expected to make every day, every hour, every second count!