Daily Readings - Tue Feb 05 2019
Hebrews
1Furthermore, since we also have so great a cloud of witnesses over us, let us set aside every burden and sin which may surround us, and advance, through patience, to the struggle offered to us2Let us gaze upon Jesus, as the Author and the completion of our faith, who, having joy laid out before him, endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and who now sits at the right hand of the throne of God3So then, meditate upon him who endured such adversity from sinners against himself, so that you may not become weary, failing in your souls4For you have not yet resisted unto blood, while striving against sin
Mark
21And when Jesus had crossed in the boat, over the strait again, a great crowd came together before him. And he was near the sea22And one of the rulers of the synagogue, named Jairus, approached. And seeing him, he fell prostrate at his feet23And he beseeched him greatly, saying: "For my daughter is near the end. Come and lay your hand on her, so that she may be healthy and may live.24And he went with him. And a great crowd followed him, and they pressed upon him25And there was a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years26And she had endured much from several physicians, and she had spent everything she owned with no benefit at all, but instead she became worse27Then, when she had heard of Jesus, she approached through the crowd behind him, and she touched his garment28For she said: "Because if I touch even his garment, I will be saved.29And immediately, the source of her bleeding was dried up, and she sensed in her body that she had been healed from the wound30And immediately Jesus, realizing within himself that power that had gone out from him, turning to the crowd, said, "Who touched my garments?31And his disciples said to him, "You see that the crowd presses around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’ 32And he looked around to see the woman who had done this33Yet truly, the woman, in fear and trembling, knowing what had happened within her, went and fell prostrate before him, and she told him the whole truth34And he said to her: "Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace, and be healed from your wound.35While he was still speaking, they arrived from the ruler of the synagogue, saying: "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?36But Jesus, having heard the word that was spoken, said to the ruler of the synagogue: "Do not be afraid. You need only believe.37And he would not permit anyone to follow him, except Peter, and James, and John the brother of James38And they went to the house of the ruler of the synagogue. And he saw a tumult, and weeping, and much wailing39And entering, he said to them: "Why are you disturbed and weeping? The girl is not dead, but is asleep.40And they derided him. Yet truly, having put them all out, he took the father and mother of the girl, and those who were with him, and he entered to where the girl was lying41And taking the girl by the hand, he said to her, "Talitha koumi," which means, "Little girl, (I say to you) arise42And immediately the young girl rose up and walked. Now she was twelve years old. And they were suddenly struck with a great astonishment43And he instructed them sternly, so that no one would know about it. And he told them to give her something to eat
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the power of faith and perseverance in the face of life’s challenges. In the first reading from Hebrews, we are reminded that we are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses,” the saints who have gone before us and endured their own struggles. The author encourages us to “run with perseverance the race that lies before us,” fixing our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for the sake of our salvation. This passage calls us to trust in God’s plan, even when the journey is difficult, and to draw strength from the example of those who have remained faithful.
In the Gospel, Mark presents two powerful stories of faith and healing. Jairus, a synagogue ruler, pleads with Jesus to save his dying daughter, demonstrating his trust in Jesus’ power. Meanwhile, a woman suffering from a twelve-year hemorrhage touches Jesus’ garment in secret, believing that even this small act of faith will bring her healing. Jesus honors both of their faith: the woman is healed immediately, and Jairus’s daughter is raised from the dead despite initial doubts. These stories show us that faith, no matter how small or imperfect, can lead to extraordinary outcomes when we place our trust in God.
These readings remind us that life is full of challenges, but we are never alone in our struggles. Like the woman and Jairus, we are called to approach God with faith, even when circumstances seem hopeless. Jesus’ words to the woman, “Your faith has saved you,” and his assurance to Jairus, “Do not be afraid, only believe,” are words of encouragement for us today. Let us draw strength from the examples of those who have gone before us and place our trust in God, knowing that He can bring light and life even in our darkest moments.