Daily Catholic Mass Readings for June 30, 2024
First Reading: Wisdom 1.13-15; 2.23-24
This reading is not available in the ESV version. Visit the CPDV version to view the reading.
Psalm 30
1I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up and have not let my foes rejoice over me.2O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.3O LORD, you have brought up my soul from Sheol; you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.4Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name.5For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.6As for me, I said in my prosperity, "I shall never be moved."7By your favor, O LORD, you made my mountain stand strong; you hid your face; I was dismayed.8To you, O LORD, I cry, and to the Lord I plead for mercy:9"What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness?10Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me! O LORD, be my helper!"11You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,12that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 8.7, 9, 13-15
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."
Gospel: Mark 5.21-24, 35-43
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.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 mystery of life, death, and the boundless love of God. In the first reading from the Book of Wisdom, we are reminded that God did not create death, nor does he take pleasure in the destruction of his creation. Instead, he made all things to exist, and life is a gift meant to be cherished. Death entered the world through the envy of the devil, but even in the face of death, we are called to trust in God’s plan and his promise of eternal life. This passage encourages us to see life as sacred and to reject anything that seeks to destroy it.
The second reading from 2 Corinthians shifts our focus to the virtue of generosity. St. Paul reminds us that Jesus, though rich, became poor for our sake, so that through his poverty we might become rich. This is not just about material wealth but about the spiritual wealth that comes from living a life of love and sacrifice. Paul encourages us to share our abundance with those in need, so that there may be equality among all. This is a call to live simply, to trust in God’s providence, and to recognize that everything we have is a gift meant to be shared.
In the Gospel, Mark tells the story of Jairus, a synagogue ruler who begs Jesus to heal his dying daughter. Despite the doubts of those around him, Jairus trusts in Jesus, and his faith is rewarded when Jesus raises his daughter from the dead. This story reminds us that faith is not about understanding everything but about trusting in God’s power and love, even in the face of uncertainty and sorrow. Jesus’ words to Jairus, “Do not be afraid; just have faith,” are words we can apply to our own lives when we face challenges and difficulties.
These readings together teach us to trust in God’s goodness, to cherish the gift of life, and to live with generosity and faith. Let us ask ourselves: Do we trust in God’s plan, even when things seem impossible? Are we willing to share what we have with others, trusting that God will provide? May we, like Jairus, have the courage to place our faith in Jesus, knowing that he is the source of all life and love.