Daily Readings - Sun Jun 20 2021
Job
1Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,2Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?3Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.4Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.8Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?9When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it,10And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors,11And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?
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.
Mark
35And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.36And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.40And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the 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.