Daily Readings - Sun Jul 01 2018
2 Corinthians
7But as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you--see that you excel in this act of grace also.9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.13I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness14your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.15As it is written, "Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack."
Mark
21And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea.22Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet23and implored him earnestly, saying, "My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live."24And he went with him.And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him.25And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years,26and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse.27She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment.28For she said, "If I touch even his garments, I will be made well."29And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease.30And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, "Who touched my garments?"31And his disciples said to him, "You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, 'Who touched me?'"32And he looked around to see who had done it.33But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth.34And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease."35While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?"36But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe."37And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James.38They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly.39And when he had entered, he said to them, "Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping."40And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was.41Taking her by the hand he said to her, "Talitha cumi," which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise."42And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.43And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound reflections on life, faith, and generosity. The first reading from Wisdom reminds us that God did not create death, but it entered the world through sin. This emphasizes God’s desire for immortal life, reflecting His image in us. The second reading from Corinthians highlights the importance of equality and generosity, inspired by Jesus’s sacrifice. The Gospel from Mark illustrates Jesus’s miracles: healing a woman with faith and raising a girl from the dead, showcasing His power and compassion.
These readings connect by illustrating God’s plan for life and the role of faith and community. Wisdom sets the stage by rejecting death as part of God’s plan, while Corinthians calls us to support each other, mirroring the community’s presence in Mark. Jesus’s miracles in Mark demonstrate trust in God’s power, even in death, aligning with Wisdom’s message of immortal life and Corinthians’ call to generosity.
Applying these teachings to our lives, we are reminded to trust God amidst hardships and embrace generosity. Like the woman and Jairus, our faith can lead to healing and renewal. Let us live with compassion, supporting one another, and trust in God’s plan, even when faced with death. The moral lesson is clear: faith and trust in God, coupled with generous hearts, guide us to live as He intended—embracing life and compassion.