Daily Readings - Sun Jun 20 2021
Job
1Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:2"Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?3Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me.4"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.8"Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb,9when I made clouds its garment and thick darkness its swaddling band,10and prescribed limits for it and set bars and doors,11and said, 'Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stayed'?
2 Corinthians
14For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died;15and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.16From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer.17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Mark
35On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side."36And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him.37And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.38But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?"39And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.40He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?"41And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey him?"
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful themes of trust, faith, and God's authority. The first reading from Job portrays God speaking from a whirlwind, asserting His control over creation by setting boundaries for the sea. This passage reminds us of God's wisdom and omnipotence, challenging us to humbly acknowledge His sovereignty, especially in times of uncertainty.
The second reading from 2 Corinthians shifts our focus to living for Christ. Paul emphasizes that Christ's sacrifice transforms our lives, urging us to see ourselves as new creations. This teaching invites us to move beyond self-centered living and embrace a life dedicated to Him, reflecting the radical change His love brings.
In the Gospel from Mark, Jesus calms a storm, demonstrating His divine authority. While the disciples feared the turmoil, Jesus's command to the wind and sea reveals His power. This miracle teaches us to trust in God's presence and control, even amidst life's tempests.
These readings connect through the theme of trust in God's plan. Job's encounter, Paul's exhortation, and Jesus's miracle all guide us to place our faith in God. In daily life, this means facing challenges with confidence in His providence. The moral lesson is clear: trust in God's authority, for He is our refuge and strength, calming every storm we face.