Daily Readings - Wed Jul 22 2020
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 of seeking and finding, each offering insights into our spiritual journey. The first reading from Song of Solomon presents a poetic allegory of the soul's longing for divine love. The bride's relentless search for her beloved symbolizes our own quest for a deeper connection with God, emphasizing perseverance and devotion. This text, often seen as an allegory of divine love, reminds us that our spiritual seeking is a noble and necessary pursuit.
The Gospel reading from John recounts Mary Magdalene's emotional encounter with the risen Jesus. Her unwavering dedication and the transformative moment of recognition highlight the personal and intimate relationship we can have with Christ. This narrative, set in the context of Easter, underscores themes of resurrection and new life, inviting us to reflect on the transformative power of encountering Jesus.
Both readings encourage us to embrace our journey of seeking God with faith and hope. Just as the bride and Mary found their beloved in unexpected ways, we too can trust that our seeking is not in vain. Our daily lives, marked by moments of uncertainty, can be transformed by the assurance that God reveals Himself in His time. Let us approach each day with the persistence of the bride and the devotion of Mary, trusting in the promise of encounter and renewal. May our hearts remain open to the transformative power of Christ's presence, guiding us to live as witnesses of His love.