Daily Readings - Tue Feb 05 2019
Hebrews
1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.3For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.4Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
Mark
21And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.22And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,23And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.24And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.25And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,26And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,27When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.28For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.29And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.30And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?31And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?32And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.33But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.34And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.35While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?36As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.37And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.38And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.39And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.40And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.41And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.42And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.43And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her 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.