Daily Readings - Tue Feb 05 2019
Hebrews
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.3Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.4In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
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
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.