WEEKLY VISIO DIVINA: Mark 5: 25-34, 35-36, 41-42

Dear Fellow Veterans, Active Duty Service Members, Combat Heroes, Disabled Warriors, and Your Beloved Families, Grace and peace in Christ Jesus.

As your Spiritual Director, Heath Garcia, from ArchAngel Ministries, I’m grateful to continue walking this path of prayer with you. Following last week's Lectio Divina on Mark 5:21-43—the intertwined miracles of the woman with the hemorrhage and Jairus' daughter—we now move into Visio Divina ("divine seeing"). This ancient practice invites us to pray with sacred images, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through what we see, just as He speaks through what we hear in Scripture.

For many of us who have carried heavy burdens—whether visible scars from combat, invisible wounds of the soul, chronic pain, or the ache of watching loved ones suffer—this passage offers profound hope. The woman reached out in silent desperation and found healing. Jairus faced the unimaginable terror of losing his child, yet Jesus met him with compassion and power. These stories remind us that no suffering is too long, no loss too final, for the One who touches and says, "Arise."

Preparation: Find a quiet moment this week—perhaps early morning before the day begins, during a break, or in the evening with family. Light a candle if it helps create sacred space. Breathe deeply and pray:

"Lord Jesus, open the eyes of my heart. Help me see You in this image as You see me—wounded yet worthy, weary yet held. Speak through what I behold."

The Scripture Foundation (Mark 5:25-34, 35-36, 41-42 – NABRE, as before)

Recall the key moments: the woman’s twelve years of bleeding and isolation, her bold yet trembling touch of Jesus’ cloak, His words of peace and healing; Jairus’ plea, the devastating news of death, Jesus’ command to "not be afraid; just have faith," and His gentle raising of the child with "Talitha koum" – "Little girl, arise!"

Visio Divina – Praying with Sacred Images. We’ll use two complementary images that capture these miracles.

Step 1: Visio (Gazing / Sacred Seeing)Sit quietly and gaze at the first image for 3–5 minutes. Let your eyes rest softly—not analyzing, but receiving.

Notice colors, light and shadow, expressions, gestures.

What stands out? The woman’s hand? The crowd’s press? Jesus’ turned face?

Then move to the second image. Notice the tenderness of Jesus’ touch on the child’s hand, the parents’ faces, the shift from death to life.

Step 2: Meditatio (Meditation / Reflection)Ask the Holy Spirit: "What are You inviting me to see in this scene today?"

Connect it to your own story:

Does the woman’s long, hidden suffering mirror your own battles—PTSD, chronic pain, moral injury, or years of trying everything without relief?

Can you see yourself reaching out, even weakly, trusting that one touch of grace is enough?

In the raising of the daughter, do you hear Jesus speaking to your fears—for your own life, your marriage, your children, your brothers and sisters in arms—"Do not be afraid; just have faith"?Let a detail in the image draw you in. Stay with it.

Step 3: Oratio (Prayer / Response)Speak honestly to Jesus from your heart:

"Lord, I’ve bled out so much—energy, hope, peace. I reach for You now. Touch me. Heal what doctors and time could not."

"Jesus, I’ve stood at gravesides, at hospital beds, at the edge of despair for those I love. Take my hand as You took hers. Say to my fear, ‘Do not be afraid.’ Raise what feels dead in my family."

Thank Him for seeing you, even in the crowd.

Step 4: Contemplatio (Contemplation / Resting)Rest in silence with the image(s) before you.

Simply be in God’s presence. Let His gaze rest on you. No words needed. Feel the peace of being known and loved exactly as you are—a warrior, a survivor, a beloved child.

Step 5: Actio (Action / Living It Out)Ask: "Lord, how do You invite me to live this grace this week?"

Perhaps reach out to another veteran in quiet support.

Perhaps speak words of faith to a family member in pain.

Perhaps simply carry the image in your mind during hard moments, reminding yourself: "He turned to her. He took her by the hand. He will do the same for me."Carry this practice through the week. Return to the images whenever you can.

Share what stirs in you with a trusted brother or sister, or reach out to ArchAngel Ministries if you’d like to talk more. May the God who heals the brokenhearted and raises the fallen continue to meet you in the depths.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18).

In Christ’s strength and compassion,

Heath Garcia

Spiritual Director, ArchAngel Ministries

@arch_ministries

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