Daily Readings - Mon Jul 22 2019
First Reading - Song of Solomon 3.1-4a or 2 Corinthians 5.14-17
Song of Solomon
1By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.2I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.3The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?4It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.
2 Corinthians
14For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:15And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.16Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
John
1The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.11But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,12And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.13And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.14And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.15Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.16Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.17Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.18Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on the nature of love, faith, and encounter. The first reading from the Song of Solomon presents a passionate dialogue between two lovers, often interpreted as an allegory for the soul's longing for God. The bride's relentless search for her beloved, despite the darkness and uncertainty, mirrors our own spiritual journey. Her determination to seek and find her love, even in the face of obstacles, underscores the depth of her devotion and the transformative power of true connection.
The Gospel reading from John 20 shifts our focus to Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Jesus. Her journey to the tomb, driven by grief and love, leads to a moment of profound recognition and renewal. The exchange between Mary and Jesus highlights the theme of seeking and finding, as Mary's tears of sorrow turn to tears of joy upon recognizing the Lord. This passage reminds us that our faith journey is not one of passive waiting but of active seeking, and that even in moments of doubt, God reveals Himself to those who seek Him with an open heart.
These readings, though from different contexts, share a common thread—the transformative encounter with the divine. The Song of Solomon invites us to embrace the persistence and passion of the seeker, while the Gospel story calls us to recognize the presence of God in our lives, even in unexpected ways. As we navigate our own spiritual journeys, may we embody the bride's relentless pursuit of love and Mary's unwavering faith. Let us seek God with courage and openness, trusting that our encounters with Him will bring us joy, renewal, and a deeper sense of purpose. In doing so, we are called to share this transformative love with others, just as Mary Magdalene shared the Good News with the disciples. May our hearts, like hers, be filled with the joy of recognizing the Lord, and may we carry this joy into the world, touching the lives of all we meet.