Daily Readings - Sun Jun 27 2021
2 Corinthians
7Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.13For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:14But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:15As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
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.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
In today’s readings, we encounter profound reflections on life, death, and the transformative power of faith and generosity. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom reminds us that death was not part of God’s original creation but entered the world through sin. It reassures us that God’s plan is for life, and His justice is eternal. The second reading from 2 Corinthians invites us to embrace generosity and equality, inspired by Christ’s self-emptying love. Finally, the Gospel from Mark presents a dramatic miracle: Jairus’s daughter raised from the dead, a testament to Jesus’ power over death and His call to unwavering faith.
These readings are deeply interconnected. The Book of Wisdom sets the stage by highlighting the tragedy of death and the hope of eternal life. The 2 Corinthians passage bridges this hope with the call to live generously, mirroring Christ’s sacrifice. The Gospel then illustrates this hope and generosity in action through Jesus’ miracle, showing that faith can overcome even death. Together, they remind us that our ultimate hope is in God’s promise of eternal life, and we are called to live this hope by trusting in God and sharing His gifts with others.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to face challenges with faith, trusting that God is always at work. When we encounter suffering or loss, we are invited to turn to God, just as Jairus did, believing in His power to bring life out of death. Similarly, we are called to live with generosity, recognizing that all we have is a gift from God. Let us embrace these lessons, living with faith, hope, and generosity, knowing that God’s plan for us is life—abundant and eternal.